ALMOST 100 people in
Donegal were diagnosed with lung cancer in 2015, new
figures from the Irish Cancer Society show.
The society launched its Lung Cancer Awareness Month
today which revealed that nearly one-in-three Irish
people are unable to name any symptoms of lung
cancer. This
is a significant drop in awareness from 2013 when
only 9% were unable to name any symptoms of the
disease.
The society described the lack of awareness as
"seriously concerning". Lung cancer is the second
most common cancer in Ireland with over 2,500 cases
diagnosed
annually including 93 cases in Donegal in 2015.
Lung cancer is also the leading cause of cancer
deaths with, on average, 1,855 people in Ireland
dying from lung cancer each year between 2012 and
2014.
The majority of lung cancer cases are diagnosed at a
late stage "which is why awareness of the symptoms
and early detection is vital," the organisation
said.
The signs and symptoms of lung cancer are:
- A cough that doesn’t go away or a change in a
long-term cough
- Feeling short of breath or wheezing
- Repeated chest infections that don't clear up with
antibiotics
- Coughing up blood-stained phlegm
- Pain in your chest, especially when you cough or
breathe in
- Tiredness and unexplained weight loss
- Hoarseness, swallowing or swelling in the face or
neck
Irish Cancer Society prevention manager Kevin
O'Hagan said: “The significant drop in awareness of
the symptoms of lung cancer is worrying, given that
the numbers are
only set to increase, particularly amongst women.
Alarmingly, female lung cancer cases are projected
to increase by at least 77% between 2010 and 2040
and male cases
by at least 52%." To speak to a cancer nurse on any
aspect of lung cancer contact our Cancer Nurseline
on Freephone 1800 200 700, email
cancernurseline@irishcancer.ie or drop into one
of 13 Daffodil Centres in hospitals nationwide. |
