NHS Northamptonshire is taking an innovative and controversial approach to getting lung cancer awareness messages across by using flashmobs to shock Corby residents into taking advantage of a new free walk-in lung x-ray service.

A series of flashmob events have been staged in Corby town centre. The participants dropped to the ground and covered themselves in white sheets which featured key campaign messages such as ‘tired of that cough, get it checked’. The next phase of the campaign will see a ‘Coughing Choir’ performing in local shopping centres.

You can view the flashmob here.

The flashmob is highlighting a new pilot screening service. If you are over 50 and registered with a Corby GP then you can drop in to the Nuffield Diagnostic Centre, Willowbrook Health Complex, for a free NHS Chest x-ray – no appointment needed. It is open from Monday – Friday, 8.30am-6pm.

Linette Pandya D’ Silva, Social Marketing Manager for NHS Northamptonshire, said: “The stunt was performed to catch people’s attention and help raise awareness of this important new service, as well as to encourage people to look out for symptoms both in themselves and in their loved ones.”

Dr Raja Reddy, Consultant at Kettering General Hospital, said: “The main message we want to get across is, if you have a persistent cough for over 3 weeks, ask your GP about a chest x-ray or self refer. Early diagnosis leads to better outcomes.

“We know that there is a higher prevalence of lung cancer in Corby than in other parts of the county. The three month pilot in Corby aims to increase awareness of the signs and symptoms of lung cancer and ideally catch people with lung cancer earlier on.

“If lung cancer is detected at an early stage, there is a higher chance of longer-term survival.”

This local campaign builds on the national Department of Health ‘Be clear on cancer’ campaign which is promoted via traditional media such as press and radio throughout the region. The campaign asks people with a persistent cough to visit their GP.

Under 50s should ask their GP for advice or ring NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.