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Campaign aims to cut cancer toll
Around 190 people die of lung cancer in Wigan each year - in an attempt to cut mortality rates from the disease health bosses and MPs have joined forces to kick start an initiative which will urge people to recognise symptoms and seek treatment before it is too late.
The message is the sooner a sufferer is referred to hospital the better their chances of survival.
Lung cancer is the second most common type of the disease but has the highest death rate among all cancers, which experts say is due to the fact that it is very rarely detected in time.
Hospital and community services staff, along with MPs Ian McCartney and Neil Turner, are now trying to change the local picture by fronting the new campaign.
Dr Ram Sundar, who leads Wigan's Lung Cancer Specialist Team, said: "We have joined forces with our colleagues in primary care to raise public awareness of lung cancer symptoms as early detection can save lives.
"There has been an increase in the number of patients being diagnosed with lung cancer nationally and a recent hospital audit shows there has been a similar trend locally.
"We would encourage anyone concerned to contact their GP as soon as possible as early diagnosis could save lives."
Around 750 people die each year across Wigan through cancer, equating to 24% of the total amount of deaths in the borough.
Over a quarter of these deaths are caused by lung cancer.
Wigan does have a Lung Cancer Specialist Team which supports patients at the initial diagnosis stage and throughout their treatment.
T
he team offers advice and support to patients and their carers through weekly nurse-led clinics on both the Wigan and Leigh hospital sites.
And a Lung Cancer Specialist Nurse is also available to help.
But Peter Rowe, Chief Executive of Ashton, Leigh and Wigan Primary Care Trust said the message must be driven home to the community that such help is at hand.
He said: "This is a very important public awareness initiative and teaming u p with our hospital colleagues and local MPs should really help to drive through the key messages to the local community.
"If you have any symptoms you should arrange to make an appointment to see your GP straight away. It's better being safe than sorry."
A major initiative is planned for Wigan Borough in the New Year to make people aware of the main symptoms of lung, breast and bowel cancer
This follows on from a successful pilot scheme in Atherton.
FACTS
Lung cancer is the second most common type of cancer
Lung cancer has the highest death rate among all cancers in both men and women
Nine out of 10 of all lung cancers occur in current, passive or previous smokers
One of the main reasons for this high mortality rate is that it is very rarely detected early
If the cancer is detected early the chance of cure is 40 times higher than if detected late
SYMPTOMS
Persistent cough for more than three weeks
Chest infections that won't go away, even with antibiotics
More spit or phlegm, especially with blood in it
Feeling very out of breath
Shortness of breath but no sore throat
Feeling more tired than usual
Chest pains
Swelling in your face or neck
Losing weight but not sure why
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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