1 November 2016
Lung Cancer Awareness – 10 Key Facts
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month and we’ve put together 10 Key Facts to help raise awareness:
- Lung Cancer is the most common cancer in the world.
- In the UK, around 44,000 new cases are diagnosed each year.
- It is the most common cause of cancer death for both men and women.
- It is nearly as common in women as it is in men, in part due to smoking habits.
- By smoking 25 cigarettes a day you are 25 times more likely to get lung cancer than if you never smoked.
- It is never too late to stop smoking. Quitting at any age reduces your risk of getting lung cancer.
- In certain parts of the UK, where there is a lot of granite, a naturally occurring radioactive gas called radon may lead to an increase in lung cancer.
- Contact with substances found in the workplace or environment, such as asbestos and diesel exhaust fumes will increase the risk of lung cancer.
- One out of every seven people diagnosed with lung cancer each year have never smoked.
- Symptoms to look out for on this infographic.
“Knowledge is key”
Knowing the symptoms of lung cancer might save your life or the life of someone you love. It is important to be diagnosed as early as possible to give yourself the best chance of being cured.
More information and support materials are available from The British Lung Foundation, Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, Cancer Research UK, Macmillan Cancer Support, NHS Choices