Persistent cough could signal lung cancer

A huge model of human lungs, one healthy and other one affected. File photo: V. Sreenivasa Murthy

A new lung cancer campaign has warned that persistent cough, which has lasted for three weeks or more, could be a symptom of the fatal disease.

The ‘Be Clear on Cancer’ campaign is aimed at reducing the number of deaths from lung cancer and especially targets people over the age of 50, because they are most vulnerable, the BBC reported.

Other symptoms of the condition include:

1. A cough that has got worse or changes

2. Repeated chest infections

3. Coughing up blood

4. Breathlessness

5. Feeling more tired than usual for some time

6. Losing weight for no obvious reason

7. An ache or pain in your chest or shoulder that has lasted some time

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt said that the message from this campaign is clear — if you have a persistent cough, go and see your doctor.

Jeremy Hunt asserted that the earlier lung cancer is diagnosed, the more likely that the treatment will be successful.