PEOPLE across Inverclyde are being urged to look out for possible cancer symptoms in the hope that any early warning signs can be caught.

Scottish Government research shows that nearly a third of people would wait days, weeks or even months to contact their GP about any unusual or persistent symptoms - compared to more than four out of five who say they'd report an item missing from a delivery order within a day.

The research also found that nearly nine out of 10 people in Scotland would contact their GP practice within two days if their child or a child in their care was ill.

But if they themselves had a persistent cough that had lasted more than three weeks, little more than one in five said they’d wait at least another week to get in touch with their GP.

The Scottish Government has launched a new 'Be The Early Bird' campaign, which aims to reinforce the benefits of finding cancer at an earlier stage, when more treatment options are available.

Health secretary Neil Gray said: “Early detection is crucial in cancer care, so make sure you contact your GP practice about any unusual, persistent symptoms.

"The sooner we act, the better the chances for treatment and recovery."