Irish Cancer Society launches new lung-cancer awareness campaign

Women are being urged to "look after their lungs" in a new campaign by The Irish Cancer Society.

A 17.6% rise in the number of new lung cancer cases in women was recorded in 2010. Lung cancer has now overtaken breast cancer as the biggest cause of cancer deaths among women in Ireland for the first time.

Experts say smoking is the main cause, but that early detection of the illness improves a patient's chance of beating it.

Things to watch out for are persistent coughs, shortness of breath, chest pain, problems swallowing, unexplained weight loss or tiredness and repeated chest infections that will not shift.

Irish Cancer Society spokeswoman Norma Cronin advised anyone with concerns to contact his or her GP.