Lung Cancer

An article on the BBC News website titled 'Drive Up To Lung Cancer Survival' reveals some shocking statistics from the UK Lung Cancer Coalition:

Lung cancer kills more people every year than breast cancer, prostate cancer, bladder cancer and leukaemia combined, accounting for one in four cancer deaths.

Half of all lung cancer patients die within six months of diagnosis.

Factors contributing to late diagnosis include people not being fully aware of what the symptoms of lung cancer are. Also, lung cancer is widely believed to be a smoker's disease; however, non-smokers can get lung cancer and should be aware of the symptoms.

To read the BBC News article in full, click here.

The American Lung Association states that early stage lung cancer does not usually cause symptoms and that by the time symptoms have appeared, the cancer is often quite advanced. It lists the symptoms to look out for as:

• Chronic cough
• Hoarseness
• Coughing up blood
• Weight loss and loss of appetite
• Shortness of breath
• Temperature without a known reason
• Wheezing
• Repeated bouts of bronchitis or pneumonia
• Chest pain

These symptoms can be an indication of a number of lung problems other than lung cancer, but if a patient experiences any of these symtoms it is vital to seek medical advice. Awareness and early detection can save lives.

For further information, see the American Lung Association website.

Remember.....Be Aware!

November is LUNG CANCER Awareness month

37,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with lung cancer each year. 105 people are diagnosed with lung cancer every day; another 92 people will die from it. 80% of people are diagnosed too late for their disease to be operable.*

Smokers and ex-smokers are known to have a particularly high risk of developing lung cancer; however lung cancer affects both smokers and non-smokers so it is vital to be aware of the symptoms.

Symptoms to look out for are:
• A cough that doesn't go away after two to three weeks
• Worsening of a long-standing cough
• Persistent chest infections
• Coughing blood
• Unexplained persistent breathlessness
• Unexplained persistent tiredness or lack of energy
• Unexplained persistent weight loss
• Persistent chest and / or shoulder pain


People are encouraged to visit their GP if any of the symptoms above are experienced, particularly if they smoke or used to smoke. These could be the symptoms of something more minor, but they should always be checked out. Lung Cancer is curable and early diagnosis is vital.

More information on Lung Cancer Awareness Month can be found on The Roy Castle Lung Foundation website and the Macmillan website

Alternatively, anyone wanting more information on lung cancer should call the Macmillan CancerLine on 0808 808 2020 or The Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation Helpline on 0800 358 7200.

Remember.....Be Aware!

* source: The Roy Castle Lung Foundation, Macmillan, United Kingdom Lung Cancer Coalition, British Lung Foundation