Published on 2 August 2022
A Merseyside lung cancer consultant is urging people to watch for signs and symptoms of the disease.
Around 47,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with lung cancer each year and it is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide. In 2017, 1,586 people died of lung cancer in Merseyside and Cheshire.
Dr Tony Pope, Consultant in Clinical Oncology at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, said that lung cancer is the number one cause of cancer deaths worldwide, which is why early detection of the disease is vital.
And he has used World Lung Cancer Day this week as an opportunity to raise awareness of the risk factors, early detection and prevention of the disease.
Many people do not realise that a cough for three weeks or more could be a sign of lung cancer, and so it is vital that patients act on a persistent cough and do not wait to see if it resolves on its own.
Dr Pope said: “Regular exercise and a balanced diet can keep your lungs healthy, but some lifestyle choices can increase your chances of developing cancer. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer and accounts for almost 72% of cases. However, people who have never smoked can still develop lung cancer.”
Although there are usually no clear signs in the early stages of lung cancer, symptoms can develop later, and Dr Pope urges people to look out for these warning signals:
- A persistent cough
- Coughing up blood
- Persistent breathlessness
- Unexplained tiredness and weight loss
- An ache or pain when breathing or coughing
- Chest infections that keep coming back
Dr Pope said people should contact their GP practice as soon as possible if they have any of these symptoms which last for three weeks or more.
He added: “It is probably not cancer but if it is, an early diagnosis can mean cancer is easier to treat and treatment is more likely to be successful.”
Cally Palmer, NHS England National Cancer Director said: “We know for a fact most people who get diagnosed with lung cancer early go on to survive so it is imperative that people are aware of the symptoms and come forward as quickly as possible.
“The NHS is here to help and our services are open so people should not hesitate to come forward if they notice potential lung cancer symptoms”.
Paula Chadwick, chief executive of Liverpool-based Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, said: “It is absolutely vital that if you are experiencing symptoms like a persistent cough or shortness of breath that you take action and contact your GP team. Don’t put it off. Don’t presume it’s nothing to worry about. Don’t worry about bothering your doctors. It is always best to check because if it is lung cancer, catching it early can make all the difference.”
To learn more about lung cancer click here or here for more information.