Lung Cancer Awareness Month

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Lung cancer is the third most common cancer in the UK, where more than 43,000 people are diagnosed with the condition every year. This month aims to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of lung cancer, and to provide help and support to those that are affected by lung cancer.

Lung cancer mainly affects older people. More than 4 out of 10 people diagnosed with lung cancer in the UK are aged 75 and older. Although people who have never smoked can develop lung cancer, smoking is the most common cause of this cancer.

The signs and symptoms of lung cancer can include:

• a cough for 3 weeks or more

• a change in a cough you have had for a long time

• a chest infection that does not get better, or repeated chest infections

• feeling breathless and wheezy for no reason

• coughing up blood

• chest or shoulder pain that does not get better

• a hoarse voice for 3 weeks or more

If you are concerned with any of these symptoms, it is important to get them checked by your GP.

People may be diagnosed with lung cancer after seeing their GP about their symptoms. Treatment will depend on the type of cancer, how far it’s spread and how good your general health is. If the condition is diagnosed early and the cancerous cells are confined to a small area, surgery to remove the affected area of lung may be recommended. For others, it may be radiotherapy is required to destroy the cancerous cells, or chemotherapy if either of these are not effective.