Jo joins search to find missing millions with killer disease

5.32.46pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 11th May 2007

One person in every seven in the UK is affected by lung disease – this equates to approximately 8 million people

Jo Swinson has demonstrated her support for the British Lung Foundation's 'Missing Millions' campaign at a Lung Health Awareness Day at the House of Commons.

The 'Missing Millions' campaign aims to raise awareness of COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), a lung condition that affects more than three million people in the UK and kills more people than breast, bowel or prostate cancer. More than two of the three million remain undiagnosed. The British Lung Foundation is trying to find them by raising awareness of the disease.

COPD 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. Symptoms include a persistent cough, breathing problems, a wheezy chest, and recurrent chest infections.

While taking part in the 'Missing Millions' wordsearch game to learn more about the symptoms of COPD, Jo Swinson MP said: "I am delighted to be supporting the British Lung Foundation's 'Missing Millions' campaign. With so many people unaware that the may have COPD, it is essential that the British Lung Foundation receive every assistance to find these 'Missing Millions'."

Dame Helena Shovelton, Chief Executive of the British Lung Foundation said: "We are pleased that Jo Swinson MP is supporting our campaign. It is so important that those with COPD are diagnosed early so that they can get the treatment they need as early as possible. We hope that Jo Swinson MP will be able to take the message back to her constituents and make them aware of the symptoms of COPD."

Anyone who wants more information about the British Lung Foundation or about COPD should visit www.lunguk.org or call the BLF Helpline on 08458 50 20 20.