HEALTH experts are urging people across the South Eastern Trust area to be more aware of the early signs and symptoms of lung cancer.
A campaign was recently launched at the Ulster Hospital to inform and educate the public, in particular those at risk, about the importance of early detection and diagnosis.
The campaign centred around two key themes, awareness of early symptoms and support to stop smoking.
Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in the UK with over 38,000 new cases diagnosed each year. Smoking is the biggest cause of lung cancer but it is not just smokers who are diagnosed. Current statistics indicate that one person in ten who is diagnosed is a non-smoker.
In general, half of all regular smokers will die from the habit with half of these dying in middle age.
The early signs and symptoms of lung cancer or a lung problem include a persistent cough, or change to the nature of your normal cough; unexplained weight loss; phlegm with traces of blood; a persistent chest infection even after taking antibiotics; unexplained persistent breathlessness and hoarseness of the voice not associated with a throat infection.
Trust officials say it is essential people visit their GP promptly if they have experienced any of these symptoms for three weeks or more.
While these symptoms may be caused by other illnesses or infections, people are asked to still see their GP because if cancers are found at an early stage, there is a much better chance of survival.
Survival figures for people who are diagnosed with stage one lung cancer are excellent with up to 80 per cent of five year survival achieved.
However, in a recent audit within the Trust area, only eight per cent of lung cancers were at stage one at the time of diagnosis. Many people have a much more advanced lung cancer when they are diagnosed and often do not survive.
Stopping smoking is key to reducing the risk of developing lung cancer and the Trust’s smoking cessation service is available for those who want to stop but would like help to do so.
For further information or to arrange an appointment contact Shirley McClelland (028) 9151 1134 or Claire Black (028) 9250 1383. Free Nicotine Replacement Therapy is also available by contacting your GP or by visiting your local chemist.