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!