Keep Calm and Make an appointment with your GP

Early diagnosis of lung cancer saves lives!

Know the facts

Lung Cancer is the most common cancer in the world. In the UK, around 40,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. It is the most common cause of death in the UK, for both men and women.

Everyone is at risk of developing lung cancer. It is known that smokers and ex-smokers have an increased risk of lung cancer. However, please remember that people who have never smoked are also at risk of getting this disease.

There are other things that increase the risk of developing lung cancer. For example, contact with chemicals found in the workplace or environment, such as asbestos, radon and diesel exhaust fumes.

Passive smoking (breathing in other people's cigarette smoke) increases the risk of lung cancer, but it is still much less than if you smoke yourself.

A healthy lifestyle is the most important way for you to prevent lung cancer...

Things such as;

- Keep physically fit

- Have a healthy diet- eat more fruit and vegetables and less salt, sugar and drink less alcohol.

- It is never too late too stop smoking- no matter what age you are, it can make a real difference to your health.

Ann's Story

It was 16th December 2003 when after some tests I was diagnosed with lung cancer. I felt I led a good healthy life, in fact the morning of my diagnosing I had been for a nice swim at a local outdoor pool.

I was never one to get ill, always very active however when I coughed up a spot of blood after cleaning my teeth I thought I should go along to see my GP.

I had lost my husband to lung cancer in 1976 but I knew that treatment had come along way since then and tried to be realistic about it. Frankly, I was more distressed about telling my children and it was hard to break the news to them.

The morning after the diagnosis I was seeing the surgeon and in a matter of weeks I was operated on and half of my left lung was removed. I was diagnosed early after visiting my GP with a symptom that was unusual for me. I think myself very lucky that I did not need any further treatment of any kind.

I am delighted that simply by talking about my experience other people may realise that there is life after a lung cancer diagnosis.

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