THE Be Clear On Cancer roadshow is coming to the Kingfisher Shopping Centre to raise awareness of the signs of heart disease, lung cancer and lung disease and to encourage those with symptoms to visit their GP.
The roadshow will be in the popular centre this Wednesday and Thursday July 12-13 from 9am to 7pm.
Experts say a cough that has lasted three weeks or more, or getting out of breath doing everyday things such as mowing the lawn or vacuuming, could be a sign of something more sinister say health experts.
Breathlessness can also be a sign of heart disease.
The roadshow, which is part of a wider Be Clear on Cancer campaign encourages anyone who has these symptoms to get them checked out by their doctor as finding these conditions early makes them more treatable.
The roadshow team, which will include a nurse, will be handing out campaign leaflets and talking to anyone who has any questions.
The team will also be speaking to people about recognising the symptoms in others.
Family and friends may notice when someone is experiencing breathlessness or a persistent cough and can play a key part in encouraging loved ones to see their GP.
In the West Midlands around 111,200 people are diagnosed with lung disease with around 11,200 diagnosed across Worcestershire.
Annually there are around almost 200,000 people across the region diagnosed with coronary heart disease with around 20,300 coming from Worcestershire
In 2015, 3,861 people were diagnosed with lung cancer in the West Midlands, 370 in Worcestershire; and sadly, 3,043 people across the region died of the disease, 280 in Worcestershire.
Dr Lola Abudu, director of health and wellbeing for PHE West Midlands, said: “A persistent cough or becoming breathless doing things you used to be able to do, such as mowing the lawn or walking at a normal place, could be a sign of something serious. It’s important to visit your GP to get these symptoms checked out – you won’t be wasting anyone’s time.
“Visit our roadshow to find out more about the signs and symptoms of lung disease, heart disease and lung cancer. The Be Clear on Cancer roadshow events are a great opportunity to find out more about the symptoms of these life-threatening conditions and to speak to a nurse about them.”
For more information about the signs and symptoms of lung cancer, other lung disease and heart disease visit www.nhs.uk/beclearoncancer
The campaign message recommends you see your doctor if you get out of breath doing things that you used to be able to do, such as:
Vacuuming
Mowing the lawn
Walking at a normal pace
Moving from the sofa to make a cup of tea
Dressing and undressing yourself
Climbing a short flight of stairs
The campaign also encourages people to see their doctor if they have the following symptoms as these can also be signs of heart or lung disease:
A cough that has got worse or changes
Frequent chest infections
Coughing up blood
Chest pain or shoulder pain
Wheezing
Feeling more tired than usual for some time
Losing weight for no obvious reason
