Published on: 23 February 2021

NHS England and NHS Improvement, together with Public Health England, have launched the ‘Help Us, Help You’ lung cancer campaign to encourage people with a cough lasting three weeks or more and who don’t have COVID-19, to contact their GP practice.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, more members of the public are reluctant to use NHS services, citing concerns about being exposed to the virus and not wanting to be a burden on the NHS.

There is a lack of awareness that a cough for three weeks or more on its own can be a sign of lung cancer, and a need to everyone to act on a persistent cough and not wait to see if it resolves. While a cough for three weeks or more is probably nothing serious, it could be a sign of something that needs treatment. If it is cancer, finding it early makes it more treatable and can save lives.

The ‘Help Us, Help You’ lung cancer campaign has released a powerful video which you can view below, featuring Sir Andrew Strauss, Gaby Roslin and members of the public who have first-hand experience of how lung cancer can affect you, your friends and your family.

The video urges people to contact their GP practice if they’ve had a cough for three weeks or more and don’t have COVID-19. It also encourages friends and family to support a loved one if they are concerned for their health. 

If a friend or family member has been coughing for three weeks or more, and it isn’t COVID-19, encourage them to contact their GP practice

In addition to the symptom of a cough for three weeks or more, other symptoms of lung cancer include:

  • Chest infections that keep coming back
  • Coughing up blood
  • A long-standing cough that gets worse
  • An ache or pain when breathing or coughing
  • Persistent breathlessness
  • Persistent tiredness or lack of energy
  • Loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss 

Your NHS is here to see you, safely. Help Us, Help You.

Visit nhs.uk/cancersymptoms for more information.​​​

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