Lung cancer is the third most common cancer in the UK, with around 47,000 UK residents diagnosed with the condition each year. It mainly affects older people; it is rare in people younger than 40 and more than two in five people diagnosed with lung cancer in the UK are aged 75 or older. Although people who have never smoked can develop lung cancer, approximately 72% of cases are attributed to smoking. Early detection makes it more treatable. Recognising symptoms and contacting your GP practice sooner could save lives. Look out for:
• A cough that doesn’t go away after two to three weeks (with a negative Covid test result)
• Chest infections that keep coming back
• Coughing up blood
• Ache or pain when breathing or coughing
• Persistent breathlessness
• Persistent tiredness or lack of energy
• Loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss
“Anyone can develop lung cancer. Men and women, young and old, smokers and non-smokers. If you have lungs, you can get the disease – so it is very important everyone is aware of lung cancer signs and symptoms.” – Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation.
For further information and support, contact Roy Castle Lung Foundation via www.roycastle.org or see www.nhs.uk/conditions/lung-cancer. Be Cancer SAFE is part of the Health Engagement Project, commissioned by the Rotherham Clinical Commissioning Group and based at Voluntary Action Rotherham. You can follow their social media accounts: Facebook: @BeCancerSafeRB and Twitter: @BeCancerSafe_RB.