Why TV doctor is bringing huge inflatable lungs to Bradford on UK tour

Dr Chris George is backing a campaign to educate people on lung cancer symptoms after his mother was diagnosed with the condition.

Backed by NHS England, Dr George will guide people through the huge walk-through lungs in the hopes of saving lives and help more people get an early diagnosis.

Bradford is among a small number of places with significantly higher rates of lung cancer.

The lungs are set to tour round 26 different shopping centres and high streets across England this October – including Blackpool, Sunderland, Dudley, London.

Dr George said: “Speaking as a GP, I cannot stress enough how important it is to contact your GP practice if you are experiencing a persistent cough for three weeks or more.

“Whilst it’s probably nothing serious, a cough for three weeks or more could be a sign of lung cancer and finding cancer earlier makes it more treatable. Your NHS is here and we want to see you.”

By stepping inside the inflatable lungs, people can learn about the impact of smoking, while volunteers encourage those with symptoms to visit their GP.

Cathy Brokenshire, a patron for Roy Castle Lung Foundation and widow of James Brokenshire MP, who passed away in October 2021 from lung cancer, and Dr Chris George, NHS medical doctor, stand inside a large inflatable lung at St Thomas' Hospital in central London, during the launch of the Let's Talk Lung Cancer Roadshow. Picture: PA (Image: PA)

It comes as a new survey showed less than two-thirds of the public recognised a key symptom of the disease.

Just 57 per cent of the public recognised a cough for more than three weeks as a possible sign of lung cancer.

Meanwhile just over half said they would contact their doctor in this situation, while around a quarter said they would do nothing or wait.

“Lung cancer kills nearly 27,000 people each year in England, and we must do more to fight this disease,” Minister of State for Health Will Quince MP said.

“Raising awareness of the main symptoms is crucial.”

The number of people coming forward for lung checks has now returned to pre-pandemic levels, with more than 10,000 referrals taking place over a two-month period.

Cathy Brokenshire, a patron for Roy Castle Lung Foundation and widow of James Brokenshire MP, who passed away in October 2021 from lung cancer, and Dr Chris George, NHS medical doctor, stand inside a large inflatable lung at St Thomas' Hospital in central London, during the launch of the Let's Talk Lung Cancer Roadshow. Pictures: PA (Image: PA)

“A life-saving diagnosis can begin with a simple conversation, and the NHS is doing everything it can to bring lung cancer to the forefront of people’s minds,” said Dame Cally Palmer, NHS national cancer director.

“Our targeted campaigns have been extremely successful in the past, catching hundreds of cancers early in communities which traditionally are less likely to come forward for checks.

“This novel scheme will no doubt raise eyebrows, but it will also raise awareness of early cancer detection, ultimately meaning a better chance of successful treatment.”

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