World Lung Cancer Day 1st August: This is the Day!

World Lung Cancer Day takes place annually on 1st August to raise awareness, share facts about lung cancer and promote and increase lung health around the world!

Lung cancer is the 3rd most common cancer in the UK and around 46,000 people are diagnosed each year. Lung cancer may start in the lungs or somewhere else in the body and spread to the lungs which is called secondary lung cancer.

Smoking cigarettes and other tobacco products is the is the biggest risk factor for developing lung cancer. The more you smoke the greater your risk but there are no safe levels of smoking and even one puff starts off the inflammatory process in the lungs. Inhaled smoked damages the cells in the lining of the lungs because the smoke contains chemicals which are carcinogens and have the potential to cause cancer.  People who do not smoke can still develop lung cancer, but their risk is much less than those who smoke. 90% of people who have lung cancer smoke or have smoked and starting smoking at a younger age increases your risk. If you stop smoking today your risk of developing lung cancer reduces over time and after around 15 years, almost the risk of a non-smoker. Even if you started smoking at a younger age and have smoked for a long time, or have a lung cancer diagnosis already, stopping smoking has greater health benefits, and improves  life expectancy compared with people who carry on smoking.

Passive or second-hand smoke can be a contributing factor for lung cancer risk, although it is much less than if you smoke or have smoked  yourself.

If you have symptoms see your GP with your concerns. Symptoms do vary but an early diagnosis can improve outcomes which is why awareness is key to your lung health. Some common symptoms are. 

• having a new cough or a cough most of the time

• getting out of breath doing the things you used to do without a problem.

• coughing up phlegm with blood in it

• having an ache or pain in the chest or shoulder

• chest infections that keep coming back or a chest infection that doesn't get better.

• losing your appetite

• feeling tired all the time 

• losing weight

This is the day to be aware of the facts about lung cancer and know your risks of developing lung cancer. This is the day to know your symptoms and check with your GP if you do have symptoms. This is the day to lower your risk of getting lung cancer. This is the day to stop smoking!  Lung cancer - NHS (www.nhs.uk) 

 NHS Stop Smoking Service - Yorkshire Smokefree