SMOKERS have been urged to seek help as health experts pointed to the high rates of lung cancer in East Lancashire.

According to figures published by the National Cancer Intelligence Network (NCIN), 63 people per 100,000 in Blackburn with Darwen develop the disease, compared to the national average of 50.

The statistics for the rest of East Lancashire are slightly lower, with 55 diagnoses per 100,000, but still above average.

Dr Rosalind Green, respiratory consultant at East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “Avoidable tobacco-related diseases and the premature deaths they cause are heavy burdens for the patients involved and their loved ones.

“In my specialist area, four out of five lung cancer deaths and a similar number of deaths from COPD (chronic bronchitis and emphysema) are due to tobacco smoking.”

She has backed the new ‘Be Clear on Cancer’ campaign, run by the NHS, which is urging people who have signs and symptoms of lung cancer to see their doctor as soon as possible. Lung cancer has one of the lowest survival rates of any cancer, mainly because more than two-thirds of patients are diagnosed at a late stage.

The NCIN figures suggested lung cancer kills 58 per 100,000 in Blackburn with Darwen each year, and 49 per 100,000 in East Lancashire, compared to the UK average of 41.

Dr Neil Smith, Pennine Lancashire GP cancer lead, said: “It’s very straightforward for your doctor to examine you and determine whether to send you for a chest X-ray.

“The process is simple and, if your doctor suspects it might be cancer, you will see a specialist within two weeks. They would then arrange for further tests and, if necessary, treatment.

“You’re not wasting anyone’s time by getting your symptoms checked out. It might be a sign of something else that needs treatment and, if your symptoms persist, go back to your doctor — they’ll want to help.”