Lung Cancer - Early Detection Saves Lives, Isle Of Wight NHS Primary Care Trust, UK

Main Category: Lung Cancer
Also Included In: Respiratory / Asthma;  Primary Care / General Practice;  Cancer / Oncology
Article Date: 04 Nov 2008 - 2:00 PDT

email to a friend   printer friendly   view / write opinions   rate article

If you have a cough that won't go away, feel out of breath and more tired than normal or have lost weight but don't know why - see your doctor straight away as it could be the early signs of lung cancer.

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month and the aim of this year's campaign is to raise awareness about the importance of early detection - it really can save your life. The campaign "Early Detection Saves Lives" urging people to see their doctor straight away if they are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

- 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

Anne Snow, Lung Cancer Lead Clinician at St Mary's Hospital says, "These symptoms may not be serious, in which case, you've got nothing to lose by getting them checked out. Last year 100 people on the Island were diagnosed with lung cancer.

"Many people associate lung cancer with smoking and although it is still the major cause, it is important to recognise that non-smokers can get lung cancer too - one in eight people with lung cancer have never smoked."

If you are a smoker the good news is it's never too late to give up, and the sooner you stop the better. Even if you have been smoking for most of your life, your chances of developing lung cancer will be much less if you give up now, whatever your age. Every year that you do not smoke, your risk of illness will begin to reduce.

If you have any of the symptoms above or are concerned, visit your GP or local pharmacy now or call the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Helpline free on 0800 358 7200; or Macmillan CancerLine on 0808 808 2020.

Isle of Wight NHS Primary Care Trust