COUNTY health chiefs have backed a campaign to tackle lung cancer in Lancashire.

Earlier this month, the Lancashire Telegraph highlighted figures published by the National Cancer Intelligence Network (NCIN), which showed the county’s lung cancer rates are well above the national average.

A total of 63 people per 100,000 in Blackburn with Darwen develop the disease, compared to the national average of 50, with 55 diagnoses per 100,000 people in the rest of East Lancashire.

Azhar Ali, cabinet member for health and wellbeing at Lancashire County Council, said: “Reducing avoidable deaths due to lung cancer is a priority for the county council.

“Detecting lung cancer early is crucial to improving survival.

“We fully support the national Be Clear on Cancer campaign, which encourages people who have a cough for three weeks, or other specific symptoms, to visit their GP as soon as possible.”