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)

据英国广播公司报道，英国政府发布最新公益广告，提醒公众警惕长时间的咳嗽，因为这可能是肺癌的征兆。

政府通过电视、广播、传统以及网络媒体，建议持续咳嗽三周以上的病人看医生。

有研究显示，公众对于肿块和出血是癌症前兆的认识远远高于普通咳嗽。此次公益广告明确指出，持续的咳嗽应该引起注意。

癌症专家麦克·理查兹教授说：“给予癌症病人及时治疗至关重要，只有这样他们才最有可能存活。”