A north-east doctor has urged patients suffering from persistent coughs not to delay seeing their GP.
NHS Grampian GP Kirsten Cassidy stressed how important it was for patients who had been suffering from a cough for more than three weeks to call their local surgery.
The warning comes on the back of the Scottish Government’s Detect Cancer Early campaign, fronted by Sir Alex Ferguson, which aims to raise awareness that a cough for three weeks or more could be a sign of lung cancer.
The campaign encourages those with the symptom to get checked out sooner than later as the earlier lung cancer is found, the easier it is to treat and the higher the chance of survival.
Dr Cassidy, lead GP for Grampian Cancer Care Network said: “If you’ve had a cough for three weeks or more, your GP wants to see you.
“It’s probably nothing to worry about, but if it’s something that needs treatment, the earlier it’s found, the better.
“There’s lots that can be done to treat lung cancer these days, with the survival rate almost 20 times higher for those diagnosed at an early stage, than a late stage.
“So don’t put off seeing your GP if you have a concern.
“You won’t be wasting anyone’s time, we’re here to help.”