SPECIALIST advice is on hand for residents suffering from a persistent cough or breathlessness at awareness-raising roadshows in East Sussex.

The events are part of Public Health England’s ‘Be Clear on Cancer’ campaign, backed by health bosses at East Sussex County Council, to highlight the symptoms of heart disease, lung cancer and lung disease.

The campaign, which runs throughout the summer, aims to raise awareness that getting out of breath doing things you used to be able to do, or having a cough that has lasted for three weeks or more, could be a sign of lung disease, including lung cancer. In the case of breathlessness, this can also be a sign of heart disease. It encourages people who experience these symptoms, to visit their doctor.

Cynthia Lyons, acting director of public health for East Sussex, said: “Getting out of breath doing things you used to be able to do, or suffering from a persistent cough, may be a sign of something more serious.

“We hope that the roadshow will give people the nudge they need to get these things checked out. “The symptoms you are experiencing may be nothing to worry about, but the earlier these diseases can be detected and treated, the greater the chance treatment will be successful so we recommend people see their GP if they are experiencing them.”

The most recent data shows that in Eastbourne, Hailsham and Seaford area there are 4,352 people who have been diagnosed with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease – a common form of lung disease that includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis) and 7,971 people who have been diagnosed with coronary heart disease.*

In 2015, 171 people in the area were diagnosed with lung cancer and sadly, 121 people died of the disease

In the Hastings and Rother area there are 4,588 people who have been diagnosed with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease – a common form of lung disease that includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis) and 7,498 people who have been diagnosed with coronary heart disease.

In 2015, 147 people were diagnosed with lung cancer and sadly, 115 people died of the disease.

The Public Health England roadshow will be at the Arndale Centre in Eastbourne between 9am and 5.30pm on Friday, June 30 and again on Saturday, July 1

On Friday, July 21, and Saturday, July 22, visitors to Priory Meadows in Hastings will be able to get advice between 9am and 5.30pm.

At the roadshows, members of the public can speak to a trained nurse and get advice and guidance on when to see their GP by attending a local event.

The national campaign aims to highlight the symptoms of lung and heart disease and encourage people to seek medical attention as early as possible.

For more information about the symptoms of lung and heart disease, and information about roadshows, visit www.nhs.uk/beclearoncancer