Cancer society campaign urges people to look after their lungs
The society wants people to know how best to prevent lung cancer as well as learning to recognise the signs of the disease.
A report published last year by the National Cancer Registry found that survival rates for lung cancer were substantially poorer in Ireland than many European countries.
It found lung cancer had overtaken breast cancer as the cancer most likely to kill women, particularly young women.
Lung cancer is the biggest cancer killer for both men and women with 1,708 people dying from the disease in 2010 — 1,006 men and 702 women.
There were 634 breast cancer deaths in 2010.
New cases of lung cancer in women increased by 17.6% in 2010, whereas breast cancer cases are increasing at a much lower rate.
Smoking is the key cause of lung cancer and the number of cases is expected to grow each year as the effect of increasing numbers of women smoking over the past 20 years takes hold.
The Irish Cancer Society has stressed that the key to improving survival for lung cancer patients was early detection.
It said the good news was that there was now a clear diagnosis and treatment plan in place for patients in Ireland.
Rapid access clinics for lung cancer have been set up in eight of the designated cancer centres.
According to most recent data for 2011, 1,940 new patients were seen in the rapid access clinics, 89% of whom saw a specialist within two weeks of referral.
Irish Cancer Society spokeswoman Norma Cronin said the late stage of presentation of lung cancer in the past meant treatment options were limited.
“Now there is a clear plan to ensure that people are fast tracked so that diagnosis is made and treatment started quickly. Anyone concerned about lung cancer can now go to their GP where they will be examined and, if necessary, referred to a rapid access clinic,” she said.
Dr Finbarr O’Connell, a consultant respiratory physician, said awareness campaigns such as the society’s were more crucial than ever to educate people about how lung cancer could be prevented, as well as the signs and symptoms and the importance of early detection.
He said that while recent international studies on lung cancer screening in high-risk populations had shown positive results, more were needed.
The society has published Look After Your Lungs, which contains information and advice on improving health and being aware of the early signs and symptoms of lung disease.
* The society’s national cancer helpline is available at freefone 1800 200700.
SIGNS and symptoms of lung cancer:
* A cough that does not 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.
* Pain in chest, especially when coughing or breathing in.
* Feeling more tired than usual and/or unexplained weight loss.
* Hoarse voice, problems swallowing or swelling in the face or neck.
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