People With Persistent Coughs Or Who Get Out Of Breath Easily Should See Their Doctor

Asbestos related disease lawyers at national law firm Irwin Mitchell support the new campaign from Public Health England which raises awareness of the warning signs of lung conditions, including cancer and heart disease.

The campaign, which is backed by health charities such as the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, aims to encourage those with persistent coughs, or who get out of breath doing things they used to be able to do to consult their doctor.

The warning is targeted at men and women aged 50 and over. Lung cancer is the biggest cancer killer and accounts for approximately 28,400 deaths each year. It is estimated that 80,000 people in England could have cancer without knowing.

Paula Chadwick, chief executive of the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, told media that “anyone with a cough for three weeks or more should go and see their GP to get it checked.

Lucy Andrews, an asbestos-related disease solicitor at Irwin Mitchell’s Leeds office, said:

“We’re proudly supporting the campaign to raise awareness of symptoms and to encourage people to seek help, which can potentially save lives.

“Early detection of lung cancer would be beneficial for diseases such as mesothelioma due to the aggressive and incurable nature of the cancer.

“Mesothelioma is a form of lung cancer affecting the membranes surrounding the lung and lining the chest wall. It is invariably caused by exposure to asbestos fibres and in the majority of cases this exposure occurs in the workplace. 

“Mesothelioma develops very slowly. The first symptom of mesothelioma is usually shortness of breath and/or a nagging chest pain.

“We regularly assist people who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and have seen that early diagnosis can ensure that their clinical and care needs are appropriately met.”