Three of the island’s most famous sites are to be lit up in the blue livery of Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, a charity that wants to tackle the world’s biggest cancer killer.

The foundation is working with the Isle of Man Anti-Cancer Association and the island’s Department of Health to raise awareness of the disease.

The campaign runs till Tuesday, November 20, and the highlight will come on Monday next week when the Tower of Refuge will join Pulrose power ptation and Ramsey swing bridge in being illuminated in the charity’s shade of pale blue.

Both the power station are blue throughout the entire eight-day event.

Paula Chadwick, chief executive of the foundation, said: ’November is such an important time for us. Across the world, it’s designated as a key time for lung cancer awareness, and we are always determined to make a big impact with our campaigns. Well, you can’t get much bigger than three of the island’s most prominent landmarks, now can you? To see them lit up in our shade of blue will be something really special.

’In our campaign this year, we’re highlighting the importance of recognising symptoms and acting on them. So, if you have a cough that hasn’t gone away after three weeks - go to see your doctor. Don’t put off going until it’s too late when there are fewer treatment options.

’We say, go early, get checked out. It may be nothing, but if it is lung cancer, give yourself the best possible chance of effective treatment by getting diagnosed as soon as possible.

’Gestures such as this one by the amazing people of the Isle of Man really give us all a huge boost. We can’t thank them enough - and if these big blue lights shining so proudly prompt just one person to see their GP early enough, it will be a truly priceless gift.’

Worldwide, around two million new cases of lung cancer are diagnosed, and it kills more people than breast, prostate and pancreatic cancers combined.

Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation raises funds for research projects aimed at improving both the patient experience and early detection, which is key to the most effective treatment.

It also offers support and advice through its nurse-led helpline and class-leading patient information.

To help protect the health of the next generation, the charity sponsors the innovative ’Cut Films’ competition to educate young people about the dangers of smoking, which organisers say proved successful among the island’s schools earlier this year.