A cough that has lasted 3 weeks or more, or getting out of breath doing everyday things such as mowing the lawn, climbing a short flight of stairs or vacuuming, could be a sign of lung disease, including lung cancer. Breathlessness can also be a sign of heart disease.
The roadshow, coming to the Mander Centre in Wolverhampton on Wednesday and Thursday (19 and 20 July) from 9am to 5.30pm, encourages anyone who has these symptoms to get them checked out as finding these conditions early makes them more treatable.
The roadshow team will be handing out leaflets and talking to anyone who has any questions, and 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 Wolverhampton around 4,900 people are diagnosed with COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - a common form of lung disease that includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis - each year. At the same time, 9,000 people in the City are diagnosed with coronary heart disease annually.
Dr Lola Abudu, Director of Health and Wellbeing for Public Health England West Midlands, said: "A persistent cough or becoming breathless doing things you used to be able to do 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.
"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."
Councillor Paul Sweet, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: "The message is simple - if you think something might not quite be right, please get it checked out. It will probably be nothing, but it is better to be safe than sorry.
"Please join the Be Clear on Cancer roadshow at the Mander Centre and speak to the experts, and if you can't make it, make sure to arrange an appointment to see your GP instead."
For more information about the signs and symptoms of lung cancer, other lung disease and heart disease please visit Type=links;Linkid=8611;Title=Be Clear on Cancer;Target=_blank;.
Released: Friday 14 July, 2017