A NATIONAL campaign is asking people to be cautionary over their cough and wary of their wheezes, while making sure they go direct to their doctor.

Breathlessness may not seem like a life changing condition but, if it’s something lived with for a while, then health bosses are warning it could be more dangerous than expected.

Be Clear on Cancer roadshow is a new Public Health England campaign to raise awareness that a persistent cough, or getting out of breath doing everyday things, such as vacuuming or walking up a short flight of stairs, could be a sign of lung cancer or other lung disease.

The campaign has a particular focus in the North of England where there is the highest record rates for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, coronary heart disease and lung cancer in the UK between 2014 and 2015.

Figures from NHS Bolton Clinical Commissioning Group during the same period show the town falls in the top five of Greater Manchester's 12 CCGs for the highest diagnosis rates.

Between 2014 and 2015, 6,714 people were diagnosed chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), just below Salford and Wigan.

Meanwhile 10,110 cases of coronary heart disease were found, third highest behind Stockport and Wigan; as well as 201 cases of lung cancer, with 160 dying from the disease - the fifth highest rate in the region.

The North West face for the campaign is Oldham GP Ian Watson, who knows the importance of getting the message of seeking help across to people living in Bolton.

He said: "The campaign is aimed at the over 50-year-olds, it is that generation and beyond who are very stoical, who don't want to bother their GP but our message is you are not wasting GPs' time, we are here to help and advice.

"I think the figures are high for a few reasons. Historically the North West and North East has a lot of smokers and often smokers and ex-smokers are scared of approaching their GP for fear of being told off, but that would not be the case.

"There also used to be a lot of mills in the North West and there are links between the industrial and lung diseases and COPD. It is high in areas of deprivation, and we have more of those than in the South East.

"Most people know someone who has dies from lung cancer, be it direct family, extended family or through friends. If you only hear the bad side or not the stories of survival then you fear the worse, but the worst case is not always the case.

"If we can get to people early, the earlier diagnosis does mean a stronger chance of survival."

The campaign is highlighting how breathlessness can also be a sign of heart disease, encouraging anyone who notices these symptoms to visit their GP, as finding these conditions early makes them more treatable.

It is also prompting people to visit their GP if they have a cough for three weeks or more or notice they get out of breath doing things they used to be able to do.

"We are looking to engage people and get them talking about their health," Dr Watson added.

"When the campaign was last run four years ago, 700 more people were diagnosed with lung cancer, 400 of those in the early stage.

"It is a big impact, imagine if you were one of those people and you had done nothing? You wouldn't be here now."

Along with early diagnosis of cancer, the campaign urges that an earlier diagnosis of heart disease can reduce the chance of a heart attack with treatment helping to manage the symptoms.

The nationwide campaign is running until October 16 with roadshows taking place around Manchester, including a launch at the Arndale Shopping Centre earlier this month.

Dr Rebecca Wagstaff, Deputy Director, Health and Wellbeing, Public Health England North West added: "Sadly figures show that across the North West people are dying because they leave it too late to visit their GP or ignore early symptoms of these diseases. It may be nothing to worry about but if something is serious then the sooner it is diagnosed the better.

"Whether they have had a persistent cough, or find themselves getting out of breath doing everyday things, such as vacuuming or walking up a short flight of stairs, it could be a sign of lung cancer or other lung disease.

"We know that if diagnosed early, these diseases can be managed and treated successfully."

For further information about the signs and symptoms of lung cancer, other lung diseases and heart disease, search ‘Be Clear on Cancer’.