Lung cancer – what's the campaign about?

We think pharmacists have the potential to play a greater role in the early detection of cancer. Raising awareness and talking to patients about symptoms of lung cancer really can save lives because it can result in earlier diagnosis and better treatment options. 

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month and  the Royal Pharmaceutical Society has partnered with the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation to increase understanding of the signs and symptoms of lung cancer among pharmacists and patients by producing a quick reference guide on lung cancer for pharmacists and conducting a clinical audit to add to the growing evidence that pharmacists can play a role in the early detection of cancer.

We are also supporting the Department of Health's Be Clear on Cancer national campaign on lung cancer which ran from May 2012 until the end of June. The campaign raises awareness of the symptoms of lung cancer defined by the campaign as ‘a cough for 3 weeks or more’, and encourage people with symptoms to visit their GP early.

Find out more about our early cancer detection campaigns »

Alan German, 59, is an eight-year survivor of lung cancer. He is now free of the disease because his cancer was detected early. He and his wife Diana tell their story, along with community pharmacist Graham Phillips.

Lung cancer campaign video

What are the key symptoms of lung cancer?

• A cough that does not go away after more than three weeks
• Worsening or change of a long-standing cough
• Repeated or persistent chest infections
• Blood in the phlegm
• Unexplained persistent breathlessness
• Unexplained persistent tiredness or lack of energy
• Unexplained persistent weight loss
• Persistent chest and/or shoulder pain
• Unexplained persistent hoarseness
• Unexplained swelling of the face and neck

FAQs on lung cancer

• How common is lung cancer?
• What causes it?
• What’s the survival rate?
• Is it ever too late to quit smoking?
• How can my pharmacist help?
• What are the top 5 myths about lung cancer?