PERSISTENT cough? It could be a cold. Or it could be cancer. Even if you've never smoked.

If you want to know more, get on the Bertie Bus - Macmillan Cancer Support's friendly mobile information unit where you can talk in confidence about cancer worries, fears and find out more on the services available to people with cancer and their carers and families.

The bus is touring in Dorset between November 28 and December Friday , and will be in Christchurch Road, Boscombe, between 9am-3pm on Friday December 1.

You can talk about any cancer issues but because November is National Lung Cancer Awareness Month, Macmillan wants us all to be aware of the potential symptoms of this disease which infects more than 46,000 people every year.

Simon Leaper, Cancer Information Specialist at Macmillan, said: “Although smoking is the main cause of lung cancer, knowing what changes to look for and when to see your doctor could make a real difference. Don’t be scared if you have symptoms, get them checked.”

Symptoms include:

• A cough that lasts for three weeks or more.

• A change in a cough you have had for a long time.

• A chest infection that doesn’t get better, or repeated chest infections.

• Feeling breathless for no reason.

• Coughing up blood.

• A hoarse voice that lasts for three weeks or more.

• Pain in your chest or shoulder that doesn’t get better.

*macmillan.org.uk/mobileinfo

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month and Macmillan Cancer Support is encouraging people to be aware of the signs and symptoms of the disease.

Lung cancer is common in both men and women, with around 46,000 cases diagnosed every year. Smoking is the main cause of lung cancer, but non-smokers get it too. More than four in 10 people diagnosed with lung cancer in the UK are aged 75 and over.

Simon Leaper, Cancer Information Specialist at Macmillan, said: “Knowing what changes to look for and when to see your doctor could make a real difference. Don’t be scared if you have symptoms, get them checked.”

The most common symptoms of lung cancer are:

Simon added: “Most people with these symptoms do not have lung cancer, they can be caused by other things. However, if do you have symptoms, don’t ignore them, see your doctor. If you do have cancer, the sooner it’s found, the better.”

“On the dates mentioned above, we’re here to answer any questions about cancer. Whether you want to know what symptoms to look out for, need advice about managing the side effects of your treatment, or want to find local support for carers, come along and see us. We’d be happy to help.”

For further information about Macmillan’s mobile information service, and planned visits, go to www.macmillan.org.uk/mobileinfo

If you are unable to visit the unit but have questions about cancer, visit www.macmillan.org.uk or call Macmillan free on 0808 808 00 00 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm). You can find out about Macmillan services near you at http://www.macmillan.org.uk/in-your-area/choose-location.html

Macmillan Cancer Support’s Mobile Information Service will be in Dorset between Tuesday 28th November and Friday 1st December providing a free cancer information service to all members of the public.