NHS South of England is supporting the national Be Clear on Cancer lung cancer campaign.

The campaign is taking place across England and will incorporate TV, radio and print advertising, as well as a series of 150 face-to-face events in public venues such as shopping centres.

The campaign will run from 8 May to 1 July 2012 and aims to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of lung cancer and encourage those with these symptoms to see their doctor. Early detection of lung cancer makes it more treatable.

Lung cancer affects 33,000 people every year in England with the majority of cases occurring in people over the age of 55. When diagnosed at its earliest stage, as many as 80% of people are alive five years after diagnosis compared with only seven per cent diagnosed at a late stage.

Dr Mike Durkin, Medical Director for the SHA cluster commented: “It is a common belief that cancer is a death sentence. This really isn’t the case and dispelling that myth could save lives. If caught early, cancer is treatable and early diagnosis is extremely important with lung cancer. Therefore, if you have had a cough for the past three weeks or more, you must visit your GP to get checked out.”

The earlier people spot these signs and are diagnosed, the sooner treatment can begin. If England’s survival rates for lung cancer matched the best in Europe, an extra 1,300 lives could be saved each year.

For further information about the signs and symptoms of lung cancer, please visit www.nhs.uk/lungcancer