The public should be vigilant about persistent coughs as they could be a sign of lung cancer, a new U.K. government advertising drive is warning, the BBC reported.

The campaign, which is being run in TV, radio, print and online media, recommends people with coughs lasting three weeks visit their GP.

Research has shown the public are much more aware that lumps and bleeding are warning signs of cancer than a cough. But the ads make clear persistent coughs should also raise alarm bells.

Cancer tsar Sir Mike Richards said: "It is vital that cancer patients get treated quickly so they have the best chance of surviving."

(China.org.cn May 19, 2012)

據英國廣播公司報道，英國政府發布最新公益廣告，提醒公眾警惕長時間的咳嗽，因為這可能是肺癌的征兆。

政府通過電視、廣播、傳統以及網絡媒體，建議持續咳嗽三周以上的病人看醫生。

有研究顯示，公眾對于腫塊和出血是癌癥前兆的認識遠遠高于普通咳嗽。此次公益廣告明確指出，持續的咳嗽應該引起注意。

癌癥專家麥克·理查茲教授說：“給予癌癥病人及時治療至關重要，只有這樣他們才最有可能存活。”