Alan Beith MP joins search to find the missing millions with killer disease

10.30.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 21st May 2007

Berwick-upon-Tweed MP Alan Beith demonstrated his support for the British Lung Foundation's 'Missing Millions' campaign at a Lung Health Awareness Day at the House of Commons on 9th May.

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, Alan Beith MP said: "I am delighted to be supporting the British Lung Foundation's 'Missing Millions' campaign. It is terrible that so many people might have this disease but not know it. I want to help the British Lung Foundation find these 'Missing Millions'."

Dame Helena Shovelton, Chief Executive of the British Lung Foundation said: "We are pleased that Alan Beith 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 Alan Beith will be able to take the message back to his 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 <http://www.lunguk.org/> or call the BLF Helpline on 08458 50 20 20.