The warnings are all there.
Despite this, a new study commissioned by the Irish Cancer Society has shown that a third of Irish smokers aren’t concerned about lung cancer.
The research also revealed that a third of adults who are currently experiencing three or more symptoms of lung cancer are unconcerned about the disease.
We know the Irish have a reputation of being easy going, but this seems ridiculous.
Especially if you consider the fact that over 2,000 people are diagnosed with the disease in Ireland every year.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should contact the Irish Cancer Society’s Cancer Nurseline on 1800 200 700 to speak to a specialist cancer nurse who can offer information, advice and support.
- 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 won’t go away even after antibiotics
- Coughing up blood-stained phlegm (sputum)
- Pain in your chest, especially when you cough or breathe in
- Feeling more tired than usual and/or unexplained weight loss
- Hoarse voice, problems swallowing or swelling in the face or neck
There is a clear lack of awareness around the severity of the disease with half of adults unable to identify lung cancer as the leading cancer killer and three out of four adults reporting that they have never had a conversation with their doctor or pharmacist on the topic.
Other obstacles also stop people from checking their lung health with a professional. Over a fifth of adults (22%) and a third of smokers (32%) also said they would not go to their doctor as they would be afraid of what they would be told.
These numbers are startling considering the seriousness of the subject.
The Irish Cancer Society has developed an Online Lung Health Checker to help people find out if their lungs are in a healthy condition. It’s available here and takes just five minutes to complete.
The Online Lung Health Checker also provides users with a printable letter which they can bring along to their doctor to help explain any symptoms.
Visit www.cancer.ie/lung for further information on lung cancer and support available, to take the Online Lung Health Checker and to view the full report and infographic.
Smokers looking to quit smoking can call the HSE Quit Team on Freephone 1800 201 203 or Freetext QUIT to 50100. Visit www.quit.ie where support is available from smoking cessation counsellors.
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