Nottingham City Council is urging people to be aware of the signs to look for as part of Lung Cancer Awareness Month this month.
Lung Cancer is England’s most common, most serious and biggest cause of cancer deaths in the UK. More than 43,000 people are diagnosed with the condition every year and although people who have never smoked can still develop lung cancer, the most common cause of the disease is smoking.
Nottingham City residents can access support on quitting smoking through Stubit! at www.ncgpa.org.uk/stub-it,
There are usually no signs or symptoms in the early stages of lung cancer, but many people with the condition eventually develop one or more symptoms including:
- a persistent cough lasting three weeks or longer;
- coughing up blood;
- persistent breathlessness;
- unexplained tiredness and weight loss; or
- an ache or pain when breathing or coughing
The outlook for the condition is not as good as many other types of cancer meaning recognising symptoms and early diagnosis are very important. If you have any of the above symptoms please contact your GP.
Councillor Linda Woodings, Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health at Nottingham City Council, said: “Lung cancer is more common as you get older and most people who get it are over 50. If you have lung cancer, finding out quickly means it is easier to treat and can potentially save your life. Most people will not have lung cancer but being aware of the signs and getting it checked out is the best way to be sure.
“Smoking can have a huge impact on the health, wellbeing and finances of Nottingham’s residents, and we understand how daunting it must be to give up, but getting ahead of diseases like lung cancer and doing all you can to try and stop smoking is better for your health and can have positive financial benefits too.”
For more information on Lung Cancer, the symptoms, causes, treatments, and prevention, visit www.nhs.uk/conditions/lung-cancer/