Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is cancer that starts in the lungs.
Although smoking is the biggest risk factor, lung cancer can affect anyone. Finding lung cancer early gives you the best chance of successful treatment. That’s why it’s important to know what’s normal for your body and speak to your doctor if you notice a change that doesn’t go away.
Symptoms of Lung Cancer
It’s important to get any symptoms checked, even if they don’t seem serious. Most of the time they won’t be cancer, but it’s always best to find out.
Common symptoms include:
- A cough that lasts for 3 weeks or more
- A cough that changes or gets worse
- Coughing up blood
- Repeated chest infections
- Breathlessness
- Unexplained tiredness
- Pain when breathing or coughing
- Loss of appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
If you notice any of these symptoms, or something that isn’t normal for you, contact your doctor.
If you’re worried about any cancer symptoms, your doctor will want to see you. Book an appointment.
Are you at risk of Lung Cancer?
Anyone can develop lung cancer, but some things can increase your risk, including:
You smoke or used to smoke
Lung cancer runs in your family
History of lung issues
You work around harmful dust
You live in a polluted area
You live or work around smoke
You can reduce your risk of cancer by making healthier lifestyle choices. Find out more about reducing your risk of cancer by clicking here.
Common myths around Lung Cancer
- Myth“I don’t have any symptoms, so I don’t need screening.”
- Myth“I’ve stopped smoking, so I’m no longer at risk.”
- Myth“The CT scan is painful.”
- Myth“If I feel well, I can’t have lung cancer”
- Myth“I only need to go to my first screening appointment.”
- The FactsLung screening is for people who feel well. It is designed to find lung cancer before symptoms develop
- The FactsStopping smoking is one of the best things someone can do for their health, but people who used to smoke can still have a higher risk of lung cancer.
- The FactsA low-dose CT scan is quick, painless and non-invasive. It simply involves lying still while the scanner takes pictures of the lungs.
- The FactsLung cancer often has no symptoms in its early stages. Screening aims to detect cancer before symptoms appear.
- The FactsFor high-risk people, a CT scan is offered every 2 years and it’s important to attend each time, to look for any changes since the last scan.
Useful Resources
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