You may not realise that a cough for three weeks or more could be a sign of lung cancer, but it’s vital that you contact your GP practice if you have a persistent cough, and don’t wait to see if it resolves on its own.
It’s probably nothing serious, but finding cancer early makes it more treatable and can save lives.
Your NHS wants to see you.
For more information on cancer signs and symptoms go to nhs.uk/cancersymptoms
Finding cancer early makes it more treatable
Contact your GP practice if you experience any of the below symptoms:
- tummy trouble, such as discomfort or diarrhoea for three weeks or more
- blood in your pee even just once
- unexpected or unexplained bleeding
- unexplained pain that lasts three weeks or more
- an unexplained lump
- a cough for three weeks or more (that isn’t COVID 19).
Not all the symptoms of cancer are easy to spot. Contact your GP practice if you experience one or more of these symptoms, for three weeks or more:
- unexplained weight loss
- feeling tired and unwell and not sure why
- heartburn or indigestion
- unusual, pale or greasy poo.
Your GP may refer you for tests to rule out cancer. Most people who go for tests find out it’s not cancer. Finding out sooner is always better. Whatever the result, your NHS is here for you.
Read more about the signs and symptoms of cancer and what to do from nhs.uk
An NHS cancer hotline offering advice for Sandwell residents who are worried they may have symptoms of cancer has launched this week.
Concerned patients will be able to speak to a specialist nurse who can discuss their symptoms and offer advice on the next steps to take.
Anyone who is worried can ring the advice line on 0121 507 3330, Monday to Friday, between 8am and 4pm or email swbh.
Screening programmes detect cancer early when it’s easier to treat
Screening is the process of identifying healthy people who may have an increased chance of a disease or condition. For more information, check out this screening timeline leaflet .
We are lucky to have a range of cancer screening programmes available on the NHS to detect cancer early when it’s easier to treat. If you are eligible you will get information through the post for these three cancer screening programmes:
- Cervical - women aged 25 to 49 will be invited every three years, and those aged 50 to 64 will be invited every five years
- Breast - women aged 50 to 71 will be invited every three years
- Bowel - men and women aged 60 to 74 will be invited every two years
You can also make simple changes to your lifestyle to reduce your risk of developing cancer. For example, eating healthily, taking regular exercise and not smoking.
Read more information about screening on the Gov UK website here
Living with and beyond cancer
*We're still developing this section*
Here you'll find information about how we are improving primary and secondary care support (care given at your GP surgery, in the community and in hospital) to our patients during and after treatment.
We'll also signpost to community support groups and useful websites.
