Thu, 20 Jul 2006
Most Brits unaware of 5th biggest killer
Most Brits (72%) have never heard of the country’s fifth biggest killer, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), with 77% completely unaware that it kills more people than either breast, prostate or bowel cancer, according to new research released today (20/07/06) by the health education charity, DPP: Developing Patient Partnerships (DPP).COPD is a chronic lung disease, caused by smoking in 4 out of 5 cases. It is a group of disorders that includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis, and kills twice as many people as breast cancer each year. It is a progressive, irreversible disease and causes 30,000 deaths a year, but 51% of people think that it is either a minor disease or something which can be cured.
The new findings are particularly alarming given that common symptoms of COPD such as ‘smoker’s cough’ are often overlooked by sufferers. More than half (51%) of those questioned said they would not visit their GP if they were experiencing a persistent smoker’s cough.
In the light of these findings, DPP is launching the Ever Smoked campaign to draw attention to the risks of COPD, its symptoms and how it can be diagnosed and managed by health professionals. The sooner people give up smoking, the more can be done to manage the disease, which is why the campaign offers practical advice for smokers and others affected by respiratory problems on how to help themselves and find support for giving up smoking.
Dr David Wrigley, DPP Chair and a GP in Lancashire said
"Our research shows a worrying level of ignorance about COPD and its often devastating effects on the body. We know that nearly two-thirds (59%) of smokers would be more likely to try quitting if they knew more about the risks of COPD.
Our research shows that 42% of people know someone they think might be at risk. There’s no doubt that a free, clear, easy-to-read leaflet on the subject will be an invaluable resource for GPs in helping patients who smoke to give up, and also to help anyone identify friends or family members who might be at risk of a serious disease that, while incurable, can be stopped from getting worse with appropriate interventions early on."
Supporting the campaign,GP Kevin Gruffydd-Jones of the General Practice in Airways Group (GPIAG) said
" Illness associated with smoking is a major threat to respiratory health in the UK, and a major reason for presentations in general practice. Many people are aware about the link with smoking and lung cancer but are unaware that smoking can damage the lungs in other ways which may have equally serious results on their health.
“Unfortunately, smokers sometimes feel guilty or embarrassed to seek help for a condition they think they might have ‘brought upon themselves’ by smoking, but we would much rather they get help early. A lot can be done to prevent the disease getting worse and to help people with symptoms live an active life."
Nearly three-quarters of smokers questioned in the research said they would feel comfortable talking to their GP about giving up smoking although this fell to just 67% among 45-54 year olds.
Helena Shovelton, Chief Executive of the British Lung Foundation said
" Up to three million people in the UK are estimated to have COPD at any one time and it is our fifth biggest killer. We welcome the government’s announcement of a national action plan for COPD and hope it will end the current postcode lottery of treatment and care. It’s vital that people understand the signs and symptoms of the disease and visit their GP if they are concerned, or contact the British Lung Foundation for more information and support."
Ends
For further information, please contact:
Rachel Dorban 0207 383 6780 rdorban@bma.org.uk
Kristin McCarthy 020 7383 6803 kmccarthy@bma.org.uk
Notes for editors
- ICM Research interviewed a random sample of 1028 adults aged 18+ by telephone between 7th – 9th July 2006. Interviews were conducted across the country and the results have been weighted to the profile of all adults. ICM is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules. Further information at www.icmresearch.co.uk
- DPP: Developing Patient Partnerships (formerly Doctor Patient Partnership) is a health education charity working with primary care organisations, businesses and the public www.dpp.org.uk
- The General Practice Airways Group (GPIAG) is an independent charity representing primary care health professionals interested in delivering the best standards of respiratory care.For further information and details of how to join the GPIAG see www.gpiag.org
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