Be Lung Cancer Aware this November

Lung Cancer 22

This Lung Cancer Awareness Month (November) the Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging people not to delay in contacting their doctor as soon as they have any concerns about possible symptoms of lung cancer.

Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers among both men and women in Northern Ireland with over 1,300 cases diagnosed every year.

Dr Kirsty Kapande Public Health Registrar with the PHA said: “Being aware of the signs and symptoms of lung cancer is important. When it comes to the early detection of cancer, the best thing you can do is listen to your body. In most cases, it is likely to be a sign of another common condition, but if it is cancer, spotting it early can make a real difference.”

Signs and symptoms of lung cancer may include:

  • a persistent cough;
  • a sudden change in a cough that you have had for a long time;
  • unexplained weight loss;
  • breathlessness;
  • chest pain – this is usually intermittent (stop-start) and is often made worse when breathing or coughing;
  • coughing up blood-stained phlegm.

“If you have any of the signs or symptoms, speak to your GP. It may not be anything serious but if it is lung cancer, finding it early can have a big impact on treatment and survival,” said Dr Kapande.

For more information on the signs and symptoms of lung cancer see www.becancerawareni.info

A mass media campaign ‘Spot Cancer Early’ was recently launched by Cancer Research UK (CRUK), in partnership with the PHA and Northern Ireland Cancer Network (NICaN). Further information can be found at www.cruk.org/spot-cancer-early-NI

The PHA’s website www.StopSmokingNI.info offers a range of information and advice for those wanting to quit smoking, including information on local stop smoking services.