‘Don’t keep bottling it’ – pharmacists urge Caithness residents to get persistent coughs checked
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People in Caithness aged over 40 who have been using cough medicine to treat a cough that has lasted three weeks or more are being urged not to keep ‘bottling it’ and contact their GP practice to get checked.
Community Pharmacy Scotland (CPS) has backed the latest Scottish Government Detect Cancer Early (DCE) awareness drive, designed to increase the number of lung cancers diagnosed at an earlier stage.
The organisation’s chief executive, Professor Harry McQuillan, reassured that although the vast majority of coughs resolve on their own, those who have persistent and prolonged coughs, that they’re continuing to treat with a cough medicine, should contact their GP practice to get checked.
Following a national DCE advertising campaign, campaign posters and leaflets urging people not to let lung cancer "settle in", are being displayed in local pharmacies. These highlight the key symptoms of lung cancer, which include unusual breathlessness or a new or different persistent cough lasting for more than three weeks.
Lung cancer is the most common cancer in Scotland with around 5500 new cases diagnosed every year. However more people than ever are surviving the disease thanks to improved treatments and more people being diagnosed at an early stage.
Public Health Scotland data shows that around 20 per cent fewer lung cancers are being diagnosed now compared to before the pandemic. While the majority of cancer treatments continued throughout the pandemic a reticence to get symptoms checked, coupled with the fear of a potential cancer diagnosis, is believed to have contributed to people delaying seeking help and thereafter being referred for tests and treatment.
Professor McQuillan said: “Scotland’s NHS Pharmacy First service has enabled people to access NHS services throughout the pandemic, with pharmacists providing advice and treatment for minor illnesses and conditions.
“If you’ve tested negative for Covid-19 and have a new or persistent cough, lasting three weeks or more, it’s time to contact your GP practice. The vast majority of coughs clear up in a couple of weeks, but a cough that persists can be a sign of lung cancer, so it’s best to get it checked, especially if you are over 40.
“Without realising it, you may have worked through a few cough bottles to treat a cough that hasn’t got any better – don’t keep bottling it and make an appointment with your GP practice today.”
Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: "More people are surviving cancer than ever before, but we know that fear of cancer is putting people off getting checked or attending screening, when invited.
“Don’t ignore possible early cancer signs and symptoms, and certainly don’t delay getting checked - NHS Scotland remains open during Covid-19 – getting checked early is a hugely important step in finding out if you, or your loved one, needs urgent medical help.
"While it’s probably nothing to worry about, a quicker diagnosis can mean less worry. If cancer is confirmed, more treatment options are available if it’s found early.”
For more information on lung cancer signs and symptoms, visit getcheckedearly.org
