Get checked early for lung cancer

Back to list 26/07/2022

doctor and patient looking at chest scan

If you’re worried about a possible sign or symptom of lung cancer, your GP practice is there for you.

It’s important to get checked without delay, especially if you’re aged over 40, as there are more treatment options available if lung cancer is found earlier.
The Scottish Government’s Detect Cancer Early campaign aims to raise awareness of the symptoms people should look out for and highlights the risks of letting lung cancer ‘settle in’, in a bid to encourage people to act.

Don't let lung cancer make itself at home

Key campaign messages

Don’t let lung cancer make itself at home
If you have unusual breathlessness or a new or different persistent cough for more than three weeks, see your GP practice
Over 40s more at risk
Rule it out early - get possible symptoms checked
Find signs and symptoms of lung cancer at getcheckedearly.org

Dr Carey Lunan, GP, said:
“Some people put off contacting their GP practice because they think they’ll be wasting our time, but if you’re worried about potential symptoms of lung cancer, we really want to hear from you.
“While most symptoms are unlikely to be due to cancer, for those who do end up having a lung cancer, the sooner we hear from you, the more we can do to help.
“When you call your GP practice, please give as much information over the phone as you can. Many practices will start the appointment with a phonecall and then bring you in for an in-person appointment if you need to be examined.
“Finding and treating cancer as early as a possible is a priority for the NHS in Scotland, so please don’t delay making an appointment. If you’re concerned about yourself, or a friend or family member, please contact the GP practice.”

Lung cancer is the most common cancer in Scotland, with around 5,300 people diagnosed each year, however more treatments with the potential to cure lung cancer are available if it’s found at an earlier stage.