Almost 50% believe there is a stigma attached to lung cancer

ALMOST half the population believes that treatments for lung cancer patients are limited and that there is a stigma attached to the disease.

A survey by TNS mrbi found nine out of 10 respondents agreed recovery from lung cancer is dependent on early diagnosis; however, studies have shown that most patients recall having symptoms for over one year before speaking to their doctor.

Bernadette Kelly, from Kill, Co Kildare, had a persistent cough for months before she went to the doctor at her daughter Órla’s behest after a fit of coughing brought on a pain in her chest.

That was in February 2006.

“My GP sent me for an X-ray the next day and a week later he called me back and said there was a shadow on my lung.

I was referred to Tallaght Hospital where the consultant confirmed I had a tumour on the lower lobe of my left lung.”

Bernadette, 64, was devastated by the news and said she was ready to throw in the towel.

“On the day I received the bad news, the consultant told me it was operable, but it didn’t register with me.

“I was in a black hole, a deep depression, but eventually when I realised it was operable, it gave me hope and I was referred to Dr Ray McDermott, medical oncologist in Tallaght Hospital.”

After five sessions of chemotherapy and Avastin — a lung cancer drug which Dr McDermott said is the only treatment in over a decade to extend survival times for patients with a previously untreated advanced form of non-squamous, non-small cell lung cancer — Bernadette was ready for surgery.

The most recent update on Bernadette’s illness is that she is in the clear. Her advice to anyone worried about a persistent cough is not to delay in seeking your doctor’s advice.

“I really would like to get across to people how important it is to go at an early stage. I had a chesty cough for a while before went to the doctor and I had never really been a smoker. Years ago, I might have the odd cigarette on a social night out, but that was about it.”

Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers in Ireland.

In 2006, 1,593 people died from the disease.

Symptoms can be difficult to detect and may include a persistent cough, constant chest or shoulder pain, coughing up blood, shortness of breath, persistent chest infections, unexplained fatigue and unexplained weight loss.

For advice on any aspect of lung cancer, free phone the Irish Cancer Society’s Helpline on 1800 200 700.

The Helpline is open from 9am — 5pm on weekdays and until 9pm on Tuesdays.