Islington Love Your Lungs Campaign
The British Lung Foundation and NHS Islington held a ‘Love Your Lungs’ campaign during September 2009 alerting Islington residents to the early signs of lung diseases including COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) and lung cancer.
Islington was targeted after research showed that COPD is a particular problem in the area with 6,619 people estimated to have the condition. COPD is an umbrella term that is used to describe those with chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema.
Lung cancer is the most common cancer in Islington and is the highest cause of premature death from cancer in the borough.The incidence in Islington is at 68.4/100,000 population.
The BLF and NHS Islington were keen to reach people who are unaware of the early symptoms of COPD or lung cancer such as a persistent cough, with or without phlegm or breathlessness. To help people identify symptoms and find out whether they have a problem, two events were run offering members of the public free lung tests.
Events took place at Morrison’s, Holloway on the 9th September and at Sainsbury’s, Angel on the 24th September. We tested an incredible 315 people at the events, referring 78 to their GP for a further consultation.
The people referred to their GP were members of the public whose lung capacity was below average, for someone of their age, weight and height.
For more information about the events please e-mail Jessica or call 0207 688 6019
To find out more about what a lung test involves please click here.
Dr. Noemi Eiser, Honorary Medical Director for the British Lung Foundation, commented: “This is only the third time we have run the Love Your Lungs campaign anywhere in the country and we are delighted with the number of people who came along to be tested.
“As a result of the campaign we have been able to identify problems with a number of people who have been referred to their GP for further tests. Without our lung tests their potential problems may have gone undetected for many years and in some cases may have never been spotted until it was too late.”
Eleri Jones, Respiratory Lead Nurse from NHS Islington said: “We are delighted with the response from the public and are grateful to the BLF for their hard work during the events.
“Seventy eight patients have been referred to their GP for further tests and NHS Islington is working closely with those GP practices and other healthcare professionals to ensure that those patients receive the treatment and support they need”.
For press enquiries please contact James or call 0207 688 6017
