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The NHS has urged people to see their GP if they experience a symptom lasting three weeks or longer. According to the health body, a cough that persists for this length of time could be caused by a deadly disease that kills around 33,100 Brits every year. Coughs are a common symptom that many of us experience throughout the year. It could indicate some type of seasonal illness like a cold, the flu or Covid. It could also be the result of hay fever , an allergy or exposure to irritants like dust or smoke. However, in some cases it could be cause for alarm. In a post made to social media platform X, the NHS warned that a cough that does not go away after three weeks is a potential symptom of lung cancer. This is the most deadly form of cancer in the UK , according to Cancer Research UK, accounting for 20 per cent of cancer deaths. The NHS said: “Contact your GP practice if you are experiencing any of these signs and symptoms of lung cancer . It’s probably nothing serious, but early diagnosis and treatment can save lives.” In an infographic, it highlighted the following symptoms: The NHS added: “Contact your GP if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms.” On the NHS website, it says that less common symptoms of lung cancer include: The NHS explains: “See a GP if you have symptoms of lung cancer, such as breathlessness or a persistent cough. The GP will ask about your general health and your symptoms. “They may examine you and ask you to breathe into a device called a spirometer, which measures how much air you breathe in and out. You may be asked to have a blood test to rule out some of the possible causes of your symptoms, such as a chest infection.” Smoking cigarettes is the single biggest risk factor for lung cancer. It's responsible for more than seven out of 10 cases. Other causes of lung cancer include exposure to radon, asbestos, and coal and coke fumes among other substances. If you need help to stop smoking you can find a list of services available on the NHS website here .
