The New South Wales Government and the Cancer Institute NSW have launched a new public education campaigned aimed at increasing the rates of early detection of lunch cancer.

The Listen out for lung cancer initiative aims to curb the deaths from the cancer in the state by helping people identify three main symptoms in themselves or others.

Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer deaths in NSW, with an average of seven deaths each day. Early detection doubles a person’s chance of survival.

Chief Cancer Officer and Cancer Institute NSW CEO Professor David Currow said the Listen Out For Lung Cancer campaign targets three key symptoms – a persistent cough, changed cough or coughing up blood.

“As a community, we need to listen out for lung cancer and not only recognise the signs and symptoms but take action,” Professor Currow said.

“If you have had a persistent cough lasting longer than three weeks, had a cough that has changed or if you have coughed up blood it is important you see your GP straight away to ask for a chest x-ray. It could save your life.

“Lung cancer has a relatively high mortality rate compared with other cancers. While it is the fourth most common cancer in both men and women, it is the leading cause of cancer deaths.”