Mary Macleod MP is backing the British Lung Foundation (BLF)’s ‘Get tested’ campaign for World COPD Day 2010 after research by the charity revealed that nearly 3.5 million people (7.4%) in the UK are at a high risk of having the lung condition, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and are unaware they could have it.

Previous research from the charity showed there are currently 2.8 million people living with the condition who are undiagnosed, however this new research suggests the possibility that there is now 700,000 more than originally thought.

The Opinion Matters research, commissioned by the BLF, surveyed over 1,000 respondents across the UK with no history of diagnosed lung disease and asked them whether they had symptoms of COPD such as breathlessness, a regular cough, phlegm and wheeze. 

COPD is an umbrella term for a number of conditions including chronic bronchitis and emphysema.  It is a progressive, irreversible lung disease yet it is both preventable and treatable and early diagnosis and treatment can slow the progression of the illness.

In Brentford and Isleworth it is estimated that 284 people currently suffer from COPD.[i] However due to the amount of people who are currently undiagnosed the actual figure is likely to be higher.[ii]

To show her support, Mary attended the BLF’s World COPD Day Parliamentary Dinner and took part in a lung function test. The BLF is campaigning to raise awareness of the lung condition chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and to encourage those at risk to ask their GP for a lung function test.

Mary said, “I am very happy to be supporting the British Lung Foundation’s campaign. COPD is a life changing condition, but is both preventable and treatable if diagnosed early. I urge my constituents to ensure they are aware of the early symptoms of the disease such as breathlessness, a persistent cough or a wheezy chest, and take the BLF’s online breath test or ask their GP for a lung function test.”

The BLF’s Online Breath test is available at www.lunguk.org/breathtest or more information about COPD is available via the BLF helpline on 08458 50 50 20.

[i] Based on Hospital Episode Statistics and Experian © Ltd data, 2010

[ii] QOF 08/09