Have you had a coughfor more than 3 weeks?

Then it is time to tell your doctor.

EasyRead version

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This leaflet tells you aboutlung cancer.

If you have had a cough for more than3 weeks then you need to tell your doctor.

It is probably nothing serious, but there isa chance that it could be a sign of lungcancer.

This leaflet is an easy read version ofanother leaflet about lung cancer.

You may like to have someone to supportyou when you look at this leaflet.

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What is lung cancer?

A cough that is not going away could be asign of lung cancer.

You can get lung cancer at any age butmost people who get it are over 50.

Most people get lung cancer because theysmoke, but some people just get itanyway.

In Wales more people die from lungcancer than any other cancer.

So if you have had a cough for 3 weeks ormore, tell your doctor. If it is anythingserious it will be easier to treat.

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How to spot it

If you have been coughing for more than3 weeks you need to see your doctorstraight away.

You also need to see your doctor if youhave any of these:

● A cough that gets worse.

● Chest infections that keep comingback.

● Coughing up blood.

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● You have been out of breath often forno reason.

● For some time you have been feelingmore tired than usual.

● Been losing weight for no reason.

● A pain in your chest or shoulder thathas not gone away.

So if you have any of these things wrongwith you, get to the doctor as soon aspossible.

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Why do you need to tell yourdoctor?

Most people do not have lung cancer. Butit is best to get it checked out.

If you have got lung cancer, finding outquickly means it is easier to treat and cansave your life.

It will probably not be serious, but it isbetter to be safe.

You are not wasting anyone’s time bygoing to see your doctor.

And if you know anyonewho has any ofthese things wrong with them, get themto tell their doctor as soon as possible.

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What will your doctor ask you?

Your doctor will ask you a few questionslike these:

● How long have you had a cough?

● Has your cough changed?

● Have you coughed up any blood?

● Have you had any chest infections?

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● Have you been out of breath often forno reason?

● Have you lost weight?

● Have you had any pains?

Before you see your doctor it might helpto write down anything that is wrong withyou, to show them.

They might ask you to go for an X-ray atyour local hospital. This is quick and easyand you do not need to stay in hospital.

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Telling your doctor early couldsave your life

Jane was healthy but found she had lungcancer 2 years ago.

She had treatment and is now doing well.Jane says she has regular checks and hasbeen on several holidays.

She says “I had surgery in June 2015 andfour months later completed Snowdoniamarathon!”

Keeping well

There are things you can do to give you the best chance of not getting cancer.

Stop smoking

It is never too late to stop smoking. It might stop you getting cancer and willmake you healthier.

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You can get lots of help to stop smoking: Go to the website:www.stopsmokingwales.com

Or call this free number:0800 085 2219

Look after yourself

Try to stay a healthy weight and keepactive. The more you do the better.

Try:

● swimming

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● cycling

● dancing

● walking.

Eat well

It is good to try and have a healthy diet.Try to eat more fruit and veg.

Cut down on drinking

Try not to drink too much alcohol.

Produced by BDS Communications for NHS Wales

© Crown copyright 2016

How to find out more

If you want to find out more or get copiesof this leaflet in this and other formatsplease go to our website:www.go.nhs.wales/lungcancer