Get coughs checked

Health experts say that while it could be nothing to worry about, a persistent cough can be a sign of lung cancer, and the survival rate is almost 20 times higher for those diagnosed at an early stage. New TV advertising featuring Sir Alex Ferguson, who lost his parents to lung cancer, highlights the importance of people seeing their GP if they are aware of any changes to their health, including a persistent cough. Scottish health secretary Shona Robison said: “There’s lots that can be done to treat lung cancer and as a result of better treatments and increased rates of early detection, more people than ever in Scotland are surviving. “But there’s still more to be done and we need to get the message out loud and clear that the earlier you come forward to get checked or be screened, the better – it could save your life.”