Had a cough for three weeks? Don’t ignore symptoms warn Redbridge GPs
Dr Jyoti Sood from Newbury Park, is helping to launch the NHS' national Be 'Clear on Cancer' campaign - Credit: Hannah Murdoch/NHS NEL Commissioning Support Unit
People who have been coughing for three weeks or more are being urged by GPs not to ignore those symptoms.
Doctors from around the borough are supporting a national campaign to highlight how a persistent cough or breathlessness during normal activities could be symptoms of serious conditions including cancer.
Knowing the symptoms of lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and heart disease is the latest stage in the Be Clear on Cancer campaign.
“As GPs, we’re here to help,” said Dr Jyoti Sood, from Newbury Park. “It might be nothing, but it’s nice to know that and have that peace of mind.
“If it is something that needs treatment, the earlier we can catch it, the better.”
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Early diagnosis of lung and heart disease makes them more treatable and improves chances of managing them properly and keeping a good quality of life.
The NHS is particularly keen to target members of the south Asian and African Caribbean communities, who traditionally have a higher prevalence of heart disease.
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Dr Sood also warns smokers to quit advising the “risk” of lung cancer starts to drop the moment the habit is stopped.
She added: “We know it’s tough to kick the habit, so start by talking to your GP or local pharmacist for guidance on where to go to get support.”
Bangladeshi and Pakistani men are also more likely to smoke – the number one cause of lung cancer in England.
For more information visit nhs.uk/be-clear-on-cancer
