The Tigers Trust and Hull City are proud to be working alongside Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance and fellow clubs Hull KR, Hull FC, York City, Scunthorpe United, and Scarborough Athletic to raise awareness of lung cancer and encourage fans to visit their GP if they are experiencing symptoms.
As part of Lung Cancer Awareness Month this November, Hull City’s beloved mascot Roary has taken part in a series of engaging videos with a serious message. These videos, created in collaboration with the Cancer Alliance, will be shared across the club’s social media channels to help spread the word.
Lung cancer is one of the most common and serious types of cancer, with over 43,000 people diagnosed each year in the UK. While early stages often show no symptoms, signs to look out for include:
A cough lasting more than three weeks
A worsening or changing existing cough
Recurring chest infections
Coughing up blood
Frequent shortness of breath
Unexplained fatigue
Pain when breathing or coughing
Loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss
Most diagnoses occur between the ages of 70 and 74, with cases rising rapidly from age 55. Encouragingly, 79% of lung cancer cases are preventable.
Early detection is key. Those diagnosed at the earliest stage are nearly 20 times more likely to survive for five years compared to those diagnosed later. Sadly, many cases are caught too late due to the absence of symptoms in the early stages.
Dr Stuart Baugh, Clinical Programme Director for the NHS Lung Cancer Screening Programme in Humber and North Yorkshire, said:
“These videos are a great way to get people aged 55 to 74 thinking about lung cancer and whether they’re showing any symptoms. Seeing their team mascot talk about it on social media might also prompt family members to encourage loved ones to seek help.”
Dr Tami Byass, GP at Eastgate Medical Group in Hornsea, added:
“Please be aware of the key symptoms: a cough for three weeks or more, fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, weight loss, and appetite loss. If you’re experiencing any of these, contact your GP immediately.”
Fans aged 55 to 74 in Humber and North Yorkshire who currently smoke or have smoked in the past and are registered with a local GP may be eligible for free lung cancer screening. This screening is being rolled out across the region and can either reassure individuals or help detect issues early when treatment is more effective. Click here to check availability in your area.
Tracey Morris, a cancer patient from Bridlington, shared her story:
“Last Christmas, I thought I had a bad cold. I was coughing a lot and had chest pain. Friends told me to see my GP, but I didn’t. When I ended up in hospital, I found out it was stage two lung cancer.
“If you’ve been coughing for three weeks or more, don’t assume it’s just a cold or flu. Go see your GP. It could save your life.”
Throughout November, Cancer Alliance volunteers will be hosting awareness sessions across Humber and North Yorkshire, accompanied by a giant inflatable lung. Click here to learn more about these events and other planned activities.
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