Lung Foundation Australia launches campaign combating lung cancer complacency, East Pilbara deemed ‘hot spot’

A national patient organisation has released a new campaign aimed to combat complacency amongst East Pilbara residents about lung cancer. Launched by Lung Foundation Australia, the ‘What if your cough isn’t just a cough?’ aimed to encourage residents to take their lung health seriously and talk to a general practitioner if they have a persistent and unexplained cough that has lasted more than three weeks. Research conducted found local residents were 13 per cent more likely to be diagnosed with lung cancer, making East Pilbara a lung cancer ‘hot spot’. Lung Foundation Australia chief executive Mark Brooke said the early warning signs were easy to miss. “Not all lung cancers are made equal and not all of those who are diagnosed experience the same symptoms,” he said. “We don’t want any Australians self-diagnosing or dismissing potential symptoms of lung cancer.” Lung Foundation Australia chairwoman Professor Christine Jenkins said everyone had a role to play in encouraging friends and family to act on a persistent cough. “For the vast majority of us, a new cough will not be a cause for concern but for some, however, a lingering cough could be a sign of something more serious, such as a lung disease or lung cancer,” she said. “We're calling on Australians to get to know their lung health better, understand the symptoms of lung cancer and lung disease and make a commitment to discuss any new, changed or persistent symptoms with a GP.” The campaign will run on radio and social media for four weeks.