During lung cancer awareness month we want to make sure one message shines through - if lung cancer is diagnosed early, treatment is successful.

Lung cancer is the third most common type of cancer in the UK. When diagnosed early, 55% of people with lung cancer survive for at least 5 years, compared to 5% of people when their cancer is diagnosed at the latest, less treatable, stage.

It is important that we are all doing what we can to help lung cancer be diagnosed early, including knowing the symptoms to look out for and sharing these with those around us.

People who smoke are at a higher risk of getting lung cancer. It is also true that age is a risk factor, and more men are currently diagnosed than women. However, for many it is a dangerous misconception that only older men who smoke can get lung cancer. If you have lungs, you can get lung cancer.

This month our charity partner Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation is encouraging us to forget everything we know about lung cancer so that we can have a better understanding of the signs and symptoms to look out for.

Over the last few years, most of us hear a cough and instantly think of Covid. However, a cough that lasts for 3 weeks or more can also be a sign of lung cancer. There are many signs and symptoms we should also be aware of, but most importantly anything that is persistent, unexplained, or worsening should be checked out by a healthcare professional. The majority of patients investigated for cancer will thankfully not have it, but those who sadly do can have their cancer diagnosed in the earlier stages when the cancer is treatable. You can read more about the symptoms to look out for here.

When presenting to your GP or a healthcare professional, tell them your concerns, how long you have had symptoms for, and what you’re worried about. If you’ve had a recent chest x-ray but your symptoms persist, it is important to go back to your GP for review. Approximately 1 in 5 patients with a lung cancer diagnosis will have a normal chest x-ray.

With such a wide spread of signs and symptoms, C the Signs alerts healthcare professionals to a potential lung cancer diagnosis to help improve earlier and faster cancer diagnosis.

This lung cancer awareness month, If you’re unsure what to do, or would like more support please get in touch with the fantastic support on offer by Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, and if you are experiencing symptoms or notice any worrying signs please book to see your GP or encourage those around you.

We support healthcare professionals in identifying often vague signs and symptoms of lung cancer earlier and faster and we want to take the opportunity to support you in doing the same. This lung cancer awareness month, let's work together to raise awareness of symptoms and to encourage people to see their GP if they notice any worrying signs. And remember, when lung cancer is diagnosed early, it can be treated successfully.