EARLY diagnosis is key – that’s the message from health leaders during Lung Cancer Awareness Month, this November.
Lung cancer is one of the most common and serious types of cancer and more than 43,000 people are diagnosed with the condition every year in the UK.
The early it is diagnosed and treated, the better the changes of a full recovery.
Only one in four people in the two counties have their lung cancer diagnosed in the early stages of the disease.
That’s why it’s important that you know what to look out for.
There aren’t always signs in the early stages of lung cancer, but many people with the condition can develop symptoms including a persistent cough of three weeks or more, coughing up blood, persistent breathlessness, unexplained tiredness and weight loss and an ache or pain when breathing or coughing.
Many people don’t realise that a cough for three weeks or more could be a sign of lung cancer, so it is vital that people act on it and don’t wait to see if it resolves on its own.
While it’s probably nothing serious, it can be a sign of something that needs treatment.
NHS Hereford and Worcester chief medical officer, Dr. Will Taylor, said: ““A cough is a common symptom for many things, but when you have one that doesn’t go away after three weeks or more, it could be a sign of cancer.
“It’s likely nothing to be too worried about, but – if it does turn out to be cancer – the earlier it is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat. It’s vital that you take action by contacting your GP practice.
“Similarly, if you are experiencing breathlessness, wheezing, unexpected weight loss, tiredness or coughing up blood, then you should see medical help too.”
Visit www.nhs.uk/conditions/lung-cancer/ for more information.
