{"id":82264,"date":"2017-07-05T23:15:27","date_gmt":"2017-07-05T23:15:27","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/?guid=62304b0068ffbb898f463a7f24242e8d"},"modified":"2017-07-05T23:15:27","modified_gmt":"2017-07-05T23:15:27","slug":"press-release-over-150000-annual-deaths-from-lung-cancer-lung-and-heart-disease","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/?p=82264","title":{"rendered":"Press release: Over 150,000 annual deaths from lung cancer, lung and heart disease"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"govspeak\">\n<p>Public Health England (<abbr title=\"Public Health England\">PHE<\/abbr>) has launched a national \u2018Be Clear on Cancer\u2019 awareness campaign which prompts people with symptoms of some of the leading causes of death in England to see their doctor.<\/p>\n<p>Lung cancer, heart disease and lung disease cause more than 150,000 deaths in England each year. Early diagnosis can save lives and improve the quality of life of those living with conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (<abbr title=\"chronic obstructive pulmonary disease\">COPD<\/abbr>), a common form of lung disease that includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis.<\/p>\n<p>Getting out of breath doing things you used to be able to do, or having a cough that has lasted for 3 weeks or more, could be a sign of lung disease, including lung cancer. Breathlessness can also be a sign of heart disease. As well as prompting anyone with these symptoms to see their <abbr title=\"general practitioner\">GP<\/abbr>, the campaign also calls on people to look out for each other and encourage friends and family to act.<\/p>\n<p>This call comes as a new survey found that adults over 50 are more likely to encourage others to see the doctor than go themselves. The survey found that:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>86% would urge friends and family with these symptoms to see their <abbr title=\"general practitioner\">GP<\/abbr>\n<\/li>\n<li>only 67% would contact the <abbr title=\"general practitioner\">GP<\/abbr> themselves if they experienced symptoms<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The campaign is aimed at men and women aged 50 and above who are most at risk of lung cancer, <abbr title=\"chronic obstructive pulmonary disease\">COPD<\/abbr> and heart disease.<\/p>\n<p>In England, there are around 1.8 million people who have been diagnosed with coronary heart disease (<abbr title=\"coronary heart disease\">CHD<\/abbr>), the main type of heart disease and 1 million people diagnosed with <abbr title=\"chronic obstructive pulmonary disease\">COPD<\/abbr>. Around 37,600 people are diagnosed with lung cancer each year.<\/p>\n<p>Early diagnosis and treatment can make a big difference to the quality of life and help people live longer. However, late diagnosis is common. The survey found a third (32%) of people would wait for a month or longer before visiting the <abbr title=\"general practitioner\">GP<\/abbr> if they experienced breathlessness doing everyday things and over half (55%) would wait over a month before speaking to their <abbr title=\"general practitioner\">GP<\/abbr> if they had a persistent cough.<\/p>\n<p>The campaign reassures people that they would not be wasting their <abbr title=\"general practitioner\">GP<\/abbr>\u2019s time by getting their symptoms checked out \u2013 something a third of adults surveyed said they would be worried about.<\/p>\n<p>Julia Verne, Clinical Lead for <abbr title=\"Public Health England\">PHE<\/abbr>, commented:<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>Breathlessness and a persistent cough are symptoms that can be easily ignored or put down to getting older, or seen as just minor health niggles. But these symptoms can be warning signs and it is really important to get them checked out by a doctor.<\/p>\n<p>People are more likely to urge others to seek medical help for these symptoms than to speak to a <abbr title=\"general practitioner\">GP<\/abbr> themselves. If anyone has concerns, we would encourage them to seek medical advice, as getting help early rather than waiting until the problem gets worse is vital.<\/p>\n<p class=\"last-child\">Early diagnosis saves lives and can improve quality of life for people with long term conditions, so if you find yourself getting out of breath doing things you used to be able to do, or if you have a cough that has lasted for 3 weeks or more, get it checked out.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<h2 id=\"background\">Background<\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/phe\">Public Health England<\/a> exists to protect and improve the nation\u2019s health and wellbeing, and reduce health inequalities. It does this through world-class science, knowledge and intelligence, advocacy, partnerships and the delivery of specialist public health services. <abbr title=\"Public Health England\">PHE<\/abbr> is an operationally autonomous executive agency of the Department of Health. Follow us on Twitter: <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/PHE_uk\">@PHE_uk<\/a> and Facebook: <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/PublicHealthEngland\">www.facebook.com\/PublicHealthEngland<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>Be Clear on Cancer campaigns are run by <abbr title=\"Public Health England\">PHE<\/abbr> in partnership with the Department of Health and NHS England.<\/li>\n<li>Be Clear on Cancer campaigns, which aim to raise public awareness of the symptoms of cancer and encourage earlier presentation, are included in the report of the Independent Cancer Taskforce \u2018Achieving World-Class Cancer Outcomes: A Strategy for England 2015 to 2020\u2019. The campaigns also form part of <abbr title=\"Public Health England\">PHE<\/abbr>\u2019s Annual Business Plan for 2017 to 2018.<\/li>\n<li>Celebrity supporters of this campaign include Arlene Philips, Dame Esther Rantzen and Lucy Briers. Quotes from the celebrities are included below.<\/li>\n<li>Pictures, quotes and video footage of celebrity ambassadors are available on <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dropbox.com\/sh\/1em52vxht61ixy6\/AAD-rTzW6sdopIh_Wv_mXJkka?dl=0\">dropbox<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>Interview opportunities with <abbr title=\"Public Health England\">PHE<\/abbr>, <abbr title=\"healthcare professionals \/ providers\">HCPs<\/abbr> and case studies are available upon request.<\/li>\n<li>The campaign includes national TV, radio, digital and out of home advertising, together with face to face events in venues such as shopping centres.<\/li>\n<li>Symptoms of lung disease (including lung cancer) and heart disease include:\n<ul>\n<li>a persistent cough that lasts 3 weeks or more<\/li>\n<li>getting out of breath doing things that you used to be able to do, such as:\n<ul>\n<li>vacuuming<\/li>\n<li>mowing the lawn<\/li>\n<li>walking at a normal pace (and struggling to keep up with friends)<\/li>\n<li>moving from the sofa to make a cup of tea<\/li>\n<li>dressing and undressing yourself<\/li>\n<li>climbing short flights of stairs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>a cough that has got worse or changes<\/li>\n<li>frequent chest infections<\/li>\n<li>coughing up blood<\/li>\n<li>chest pain or shoulder pain<\/li>\n<li>wheezing<\/li>\n<li>feeling more tired than usual for some time<\/li>\n<li>losing weight for no obvious reason<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>If you have any of these symptoms, tell your doctor.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"additional-spokespeople-quotes\">Additional spokespeople quotes:<\/h2>\n<p>Arlene Phillips, whose best friend died from lung cancer, is supporting the campaign and commented:<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p class=\"last-child\">My best friend, Molly Molloy, passed away last year from lung cancer. She had this cough that didn\u2019t seem to go away, but every time I asked her about it she said it was a virus and it would go \u2013 we had no idea that the cough was a symptom of something more serious until it was too late. This campaign is so important and I hope everyone takes note &#8211; if you have a cough that has lasted for 3 weeks or more, go and see your doctor, don\u2019t ignore it. Or if you notice a friend or loved one who has had a cough for longer than 3 weeks, push them to see the <abbr title=\"general practitioner\">GP<\/abbr>. It could save their life.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>Dame Esther Rantzen, whose late husband had heart disease, commented:<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p class=\"last-child\">My husband was diagnosed with heart disease in 1986. We were very lucky he went to see the <abbr title=\"general practitioner\">GP<\/abbr> when he first had symptoms, because it enabled him to be treated and he could manage his condition. It gave us 15 extra years we might not have had, which I am so grateful for. Everyone gets breathless now and again, but if it feels unusual or you\u2019re getting out of breath doing everyday things, you must go and see the <abbr title=\"general practitioner\">GP<\/abbr> \u2013 don\u2019t put these symptoms down to old age or think it\u2019s just because of your lifestyle. It might be something more serious and early diagnosis can make a huge difference. Also if you notice changes in loved ones &#8211; if you notice them getting out of breath doing things they used to do fine &#8211; give them the nudge to visit their doctor. It really could make a huge difference.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>Lucy Briers, whose father Richard Briers had lung disease, said:<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p class=\"last-child\">My father, Richard Briers had <abbr title=\"chronic obstructive pulmonary disease\">COPD<\/abbr>, which is a form of lung disease. We didn\u2019t know very much about lung disease before my father\u2019s diagnosis &#8211; sadly I don\u2019t think many people do until they know someone who has been affected. But we knew that it was a chronic condition and the sooner you are given a diagnosis the better. With the help of his doctor, the exercises and the medication that he was on, my father was able to carry on living his life as normal for several years after his diagnosis \u2013 he even did a play. My message to you is don\u2019t be afraid, go and see the <abbr title=\"general practitioner\">GP<\/abbr> if you notice you are getting out of breath or you have a cough that\u2019s lasted for 3 weeks or more \u2013 this is your body telling you something could be wrong and you need to get to the <abbr title=\"general practitioner\">GP<\/abbr>. Of course, it might not be anything serious, but if it is, a diagnosis and treatment can make a huge difference.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>Professor Mike Morgan, National Clinical Director for Respiratory Services, said:<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p class=\"last-child\">As the National Clinical Director responsible for respiratory services I am constantly striving to reduce the number of deaths from lung disease, including lung cancer. People may not realise that getting out of breath easily or developing a persistent cough could be a sign of something serious, so don\u2019t go to their doctor. These signs shouldn\u2019t be brushed aside &#8211; getting help early, rather than waiting until the problem gets worse, is vital.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>Professor Huon Gray, National Clinical Director for Heart Disease from NHS England, commented:<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p class=\"last-child\">Coronary heart disease is the single biggest cause of death in England, accounting for around 12% of all deaths annually. If we are to improve patient outcomes in England, it is critical that we raise awareness of the symptoms associated with this condition. The earlier heart disease is diagnosed, the better \u2013 treatment can help manage the symptoms, reduce disability and prevent cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>Dr Matt Kearney, National Clinical Director for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention from NHS England, commented:<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p class=\"last-child\">Over 150,000 deaths in England each year are attributed to heart disease, lung disease and lung cancer. With such a high number of deaths being down to these diseases, we need to take action so we are delighted that Public Health England is running this campaign. It\u2019s crucial that people are aware of the signs and symptoms, to give those with these diseases the best chance of an early diagnosis.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>Dr Penny Woods, Chief Executive of the British Lung Foundation, said:<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>We know lung disease kills 1 person every 5  minutes in the UK. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing irreversible damage.<\/p>\n<p class=\"last-child\">You should make an appointment with your <abbr title=\"general practitioner\">GP<\/abbr> if you feel breathlessness doing everyday tasks. It could be an important sign of respiratory disease. Don\u2019t put it off.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>Dr Mike Knapton, associate medical director at the British Heart Foundation, said:<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p class=\"last-child\">Coronary heart disease is still one of the biggest killers in England causing over 56,000 deaths every year. Thanks to years of research we are now able to effectively treat and manage coronary heart disease and resulting conditions such as heart failure. But early diagnosis and treatment is key. It is therefore vital to look out for symptoms, including breathlessness, and to contact your doctor as soon as possible if you are concerned.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>Paula Chadwick, Chief Executive of the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation said:<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p class=\"last-child\">It is really encouraging to see the long-standing Be Clear on Cancer campaign continuing to help raise vital awareness of the crucial symptoms to look out for that could be a sign of lung cancer.  So many people may otherwise simply \u2018shrug off\u2019 something like a persistent cough, yet to do so can have potentially devastating consequences. Anyone with a cough for 3 weeks or more should go and see their <abbr title=\"general practitioner\">GP<\/abbr> to get it checked. You have nothing to lose by making the appointment and it could ultimately save your life.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<div class=\"contact \" id=\"contact_3080\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<h3>freuds<\/h3>\n<div class=\"vcard contact-inner\">\n<div class=\"email-url-number\">\n<p class=\"email\">\n              <span class=\"type\">Email<\/span><br \/>\n              <a class=\"email\" href=\"mailto:beclearoncancer@freuds.com\">beclearoncancer@freuds.com<\/a>\n            <\/p>\n<p class=\"tel\">\n              <span class=\"type\">Telephone<\/span><br \/>\n              020 3003 6527\n            <\/p>\n<p class=\"tel\">\n              <span class=\"type\">Out of hours telephone<\/span><br \/>\n              07912 515997\n            <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"contact \" id=\"contact_2425\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<h3>Public Health England press office<\/h3>\n<div class=\"vcard contact-inner\">\n<div class=\"email-url-number\">\n<p class=\"email\">\n              <span class=\"type\">Email<\/span><br \/>\n              <a class=\"email\" href=\"mailto:phe-pressoffice@phe.gov.uk\">phe-pressoffice@phe.gov.uk<\/a>\n            <\/p>\n<p class=\"tel\">\n              <span class=\"type\">Telephone<\/span><br \/>\n              020 7654 8400\n            <\/p>\n<p class=\"tel\">\n              <span class=\"type\">Out of hours telephone<\/span><br \/>\n              020 8200 4400\n            <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>PHE campaign urges people to see a GP if they have breathlessness or a persistent cough, as these are symptoms of these diseases.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[13],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/82264"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=82264"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/82264\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=82264"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=82264"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=82264"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}