Doctors have issued a warning on the potential symptoms of lung cancer and are advising residents to seek medical advice if they have a persistent cough.
People diagnosed at the earliest stage of lung cancer are five times more likely to survive than those diagnosed at later stages.
In London, where 2,843 people die each year from lung cancer, there is a low early diagnosis rate due to lack of awareness.
GPs advise that a three-week cough can be a tell-tale early sign, though 41 per cent of people are unaware of this.
Dr Waseem Mohi, chairman of Barking and Dagenham Clinical Commissioning Group and a local GP said: “The NHS is here to help but it is really important for people to be aware of the early signss so they know what to look for and when to seek advice.”
The Be Clear on Cancer campaign includes adverts – fronted by real GPs – on TV, in newspapers and on radio stations from now to mid-August. Face-to-face events will also take place in shopping centres across the country.
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