Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Celebrities, doctors urge people to do lung cancer checks in new NHS campaign

Celebrities, doctors urge people to do lung cancer checks in new NHS campaign

CELEBRITIES and doctors urge people to get checked for lung cancer if they test negative for Covid-19 but have a cough for more than three weeks.

In a new film, Sir Andrew Strauss, the ex-England cricket captain, who lost his wife to lung cancer, and television presenter Gaby Roslin, who lost her mother to the disease, encourage people with an ongoing cough not to delay contacting their GP.


"It’s so important that if you notice any loved ones showing symptoms that could be a sign of cancer that you encourage them to contact their GP practice," said Sir Strauss.

A recent research has found that almost half of people do not know that a persistent cough for more than three weeks can be a lung cancer symptom.

From the start of the Covid-19 pandemic to December, 228,000 people started NHS treatment for cancer, 95 per cent of whom did so within a month, a statement said.

Hospitals across England have also carried out more than two cancer procedures for every patient they treated for coronavirus in 2020. However, latest figures show GP referrals for lung cancer remain lower than the same point last year.

Dr Karen Sandhu, a Macmillan GP based in Swindon, said: “In the South Asian community, we can often assume cancer is a fatal illness, but research has shown us that earlier diagnosis can make cancer more treatable.

"I would urge you not to take any chances with your health - if you or your loved one has a cough for three weeks or more that isn’t Covid-19, please speak to your GP practice."

Dr Muhammed Tufail, consultant respiratory physician and lung cancer lead at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust said: “Early detection of lung cancer is key to increasing the options for effective treatment and saving lives. We’re encouraging people, especially those aged over 60, to contact their GP practice if they’ve had a cough for three weeks or more and it isn’t Covid-19.

According to a statement, NHS England has introduced a series of innovations in cancer care during the pandemic, including Covid-19-secure surgery hubs that were set up across the country.

It has invested £160 million in ‘Covid-19-friendly’ cancer drugs, that treat patients without having such a big impact on their immune system or offer other benefits such as fewer hospital visits.

Around 39,300 people are diagnosed with lung cancer in England each year. Five-year survival for persons diagnosed with stage 1 lung cancer is 57 per cent compared with just 3 per cent for those diagnosed with late stage (stage 4) lung cancer.

More For You

Voices of Faith - Day 2: A profound confluence of spirituality, music, and dialogue

Barnaby Rogerson in conversation with Anthony Sattin (L) on day 2 of Voices of Faith

Voices of Faith - Day 2: A profound confluence of spirituality, music, and dialogue

Mahesh Liloriya

The second day of Voices of Faith unfolded with an enchanting blend of music, philosophy, and intellectual exploration at the Barbican Centre, London. This inaugural festival, curated by Teamwork Arts—the force behind the Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) and JLF London—has been made possible by the Kamini and Vindi Banga Family Trust, with the support of Tech Mahindra. Eastern Eye and Garavi Gujarat serve as the official media partners, amplifying the festival’s reach and resonance.

Session 1- Echoes of eternity: The timeless notes of Kabir

Keep ReadingShow less
starmer-immigration

Speaking at the Organised Immigration Crime Summit, Starmer said the government is working to restore order to the immigration system.

UK returns 24,000 illegal migrants since July, highest in eight years

THE UK government has returned over 24,000 individuals with no legal right to remain in the country since July, marking the highest rate of removals in eight years, prime minister Keir Starmer said on Monday.

Speaking at the Organised Immigration Crime Summit, Starmer said the government is working to restore order to the immigration system.

Keep ReadingShow less
'Aga Khan dedicated his life to service, peace, and pluralism'

Baroness Patricia Scotland speaks at an Iftar dinner held at the Ismaili Centre in London (Photo: The Ismaili National Council for the United Kingdom)

'Aga Khan dedicated his life to service, peace, and pluralism'

THE outgoing head of the Commonwealth has paid tribute to the late Prince Karim Aga Khan, describing him as a visionary leader whose lifelong dedication to service, peace, and pluralism has left a lasting impact on the world.

Speaking at an Iftar dinner held at the Ismaili Centre in London last Wednesday (26), Baroness Patricia Scotland, who steps down as Commonwealth secretary general on 1 April, reflected on her personal connection with the Aga Khan, recalling their meetings during Commonwealth Day celebrations at Westminster Abbey.

Keep ReadingShow less
Starmer-Trump-Getty

Trump has suggested the possibility of a 'great' trade deal that could help the UK mitigate the impact of tariffs he has pledged to introduce. (Photo: Getty Images)

Starmer, Trump talk trade deal progress in 'productive' discussion

KEIR STARMER and Donald Trump spoke on Sunday about ongoing UK-US trade negotiations, with Downing Street describing the talks as "productive."

Since leaving the European Union, the UK has been working to secure a trade agreement with the United States. Successive British governments have pursued a deal, but it has remained elusive.

Keep ReadingShow less
Myanmar-quake-rescue-Reuters

Rescuers carry the body of a victim during search and rescue operations, following a strong earthquake, in Bangkok, Thailand, March 30. (Photo: Reuters)

Myanmar earthquake death toll rises to 1,700, UK pledges £10m in aid

RESCUE efforts continued in Myanmar as residents searched for survivors in collapsed buildings in Mandalay, two days after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck the country. The disaster has killed at least 1,700 people in Myanmar and 17 in neighbouring Thailand.

The quake hit near Mandalay on Friday afternoon, followed minutes later by a 6.7-magnitude aftershock. The tremors caused widespread destruction, damaging buildings, bridges, and roads in the city of more than 1.7 million people.

Keep ReadingShow less