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Lung Cancer Awareness Month

17th November 2023

Did you know what lung cancer is the third most common cancer in the UK?

Lung cancer is most commonly caused by smoking. More than 8 in 10 cases occur in smokers compared to 1 in 10 cases in those who have never smoked. Tobacco smoke contains more than 60 different toxic substances which are known to be ‘carcinogenic’ or cancer-producing.

Symptoms of lung cancer

  • The most common symptoms of lung cancer include:
  • A cough that lasts more than three weeks
  • Getting breathless doing the things you could previously do easily
  • Coughing up phlegm (sputum) with blood in it
  • Having an ache or pain in the chest or shoulder
  • Recurring chest infections or a chest infection that doesn't get better
  • Losing your appetite or losing weight unexpectedly
  • Feeling tired all the time (fatigue)

It is important to see your GP if you have any concerns and are displaying any of the main symptoms of lung cancer. Your GP may then refer you for specialist test such as a chest x-ray, CT or MRI scans, a bronchoscopy, ultrasound scans or biopsies.

Why should I stop smoking?

Stopping smoking should be your first step towards improving your physical and mental health. Other ways you can support your health is through a balanced diet and regular physical activity.

There is evidence showing that stopping smoking may help cancer treatment to be more effective, help your body respond better to treatment and heal more quickly. It may also lower the risk of certain cancers coming back after treatment.

Next steps

Regardless of if you have lung cancer, quitting smoking increases your chances of living a longer and healthier life. The best way to stop smoking is using a combination of a treatment such as Nicotine Replacement Therapy (if eligible) and specialist behavioural support which can usually be provided by local smoking cessation services.

To find out more about the local smoking cessation service in Cheshire East, please visit https://oneyoucheshireeast.org/smoke-free/ and contact our friendly team today.

Resources:

Lung Cancer Awareness Month (macmillan.org.uk)

Lung cancer - Causes - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

How does smoking cause cancer? | Cancer Research UK

Picture taken from Smoker's lungs vs. healthy lungs: Facts, pictures, and more (medicalnewstoday.com)