Menu
01/11/2023
PHA Highlights Signs And Symptoms Of Lung Cancer
To mark Lung Cancer Awareness Month, the Public Health Agency (PHA) has highlighted the signs and symptoms for people to watch out for.
Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers in Northern Ireland with over 1,300 people diagnosed in 2021.
Dr Louise Herron, Consultant in Service Development and Screening at the PHA said: "Lung cancer is more common in people over 50 but no matter what age you are, it is so important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of lung cancer as spotting it early could make a huge difference."
Signs and symptoms of lung cancer may include:
• a persistent cough (for more than 3 weeks);
• coughing up blood or blood-stained phlegm;
• chest and/or shoulder pains;
• tiredness and loss of energy;
• weight loss (for no obvious reason);
• shortness of breath or wheezing;
• hoarse voice;
• a change in the shape at the end of your fingers (clubbing).
Dr Herron concluded: "You could experience some or all of these symptoms and it may not be anything serious, but if you've experienced these symptoms for three weeks or more or have any concerns at all, it's important to contact your GP because finding lung cancer early improves the chances of successful treatment.
"There are some ways you can reduce your risk of lung cancer including stopping smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, eating healthier foods, limiting alcohol intake and being more active."
Quitting smoking is one of the biggest proactive steps we can take to improve our health and general wellbeing, and longer term it can also help ease the pressure on our health service by reducing smoking-related illness.
Just 20 minutes after you stop smoking your heart rate drops to a healthier rate. Circulation improves, and your lung function increases between two and 12 weeks afterwards. After one year your risk of coronary heart disease is about half that of a smoker's. After ten years, the risk of lung cancer falls to half that of someone who still smokes.
For more information on the signs and symptoms of lung cancer see www.becancerawareni.info.
The PHA's website www.StopSmokingNI.info offers a range of information and advice for those wanting to quit smoking, including information on local stop smoking services.
For more tips and advice on getting active, setting yourself achievable targets and eating healthier, visit www.ChooseToLiveBetter.com.
Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers in Northern Ireland with over 1,300 people diagnosed in 2021.
Dr Louise Herron, Consultant in Service Development and Screening at the PHA said: "Lung cancer is more common in people over 50 but no matter what age you are, it is so important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of lung cancer as spotting it early could make a huge difference."
Signs and symptoms of lung cancer may include:
• a persistent cough (for more than 3 weeks);
• coughing up blood or blood-stained phlegm;
• chest and/or shoulder pains;
• tiredness and loss of energy;
• weight loss (for no obvious reason);
• shortness of breath or wheezing;
• hoarse voice;
• a change in the shape at the end of your fingers (clubbing).
Dr Herron concluded: "You could experience some or all of these symptoms and it may not be anything serious, but if you've experienced these symptoms for three weeks or more or have any concerns at all, it's important to contact your GP because finding lung cancer early improves the chances of successful treatment.
"There are some ways you can reduce your risk of lung cancer including stopping smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, eating healthier foods, limiting alcohol intake and being more active."
Quitting smoking is one of the biggest proactive steps we can take to improve our health and general wellbeing, and longer term it can also help ease the pressure on our health service by reducing smoking-related illness.
Just 20 minutes after you stop smoking your heart rate drops to a healthier rate. Circulation improves, and your lung function increases between two and 12 weeks afterwards. After one year your risk of coronary heart disease is about half that of a smoker's. After ten years, the risk of lung cancer falls to half that of someone who still smokes.
For more information on the signs and symptoms of lung cancer see www.becancerawareni.info.
The PHA's website www.StopSmokingNI.info offers a range of information and advice for those wanting to quit smoking, including information on local stop smoking services.
For more tips and advice on getting active, setting yourself achievable targets and eating healthier, visit www.ChooseToLiveBetter.com.
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
04 November 2011
November's Lung Cancer Month Launched
Smokers are again being targeted this month with the launch of Lung Cancer Awareness Month. The November initiative highlights that cigarette smoking is the major cause of preventable ill health and premature death in Northern Ireland, killing around 2,300 people each year.
November's Lung Cancer Month Launched
Smokers are again being targeted this month with the launch of Lung Cancer Awareness Month. The November initiative highlights that cigarette smoking is the major cause of preventable ill health and premature death in Northern Ireland, killing around 2,300 people each year.
07 November 2008
UCF Targets Cancer Awareness
The signs and symptoms of Northern Ireland's biggest cancer killer are being highlighted by a local charity this week with the Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) using national 'Lung Cancer Awareness Month' as a springboard to target local people.
UCF Targets Cancer Awareness
The signs and symptoms of Northern Ireland's biggest cancer killer are being highlighted by a local charity this week with the Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) using national 'Lung Cancer Awareness Month' as a springboard to target local people.
05 November 2024
PHA Urges Public To Be Aware Of Lung Cancer Symptoms
This Lung Cancer Awareness Month (November) the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding people to be aware of the signs and symptoms of lung cancer. Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers in Northern Ireland with over 1,300 people diagnosed in 2021.
PHA Urges Public To Be Aware Of Lung Cancer Symptoms
This Lung Cancer Awareness Month (November) the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding people to be aware of the signs and symptoms of lung cancer. Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers in Northern Ireland with over 1,300 people diagnosed in 2021.
01 September 2004
Smoking ban should lower lung cancer rates, report says
The Republic of Ireland's smoking ban should profoundly lower the rates of lung cancer, a new report has claimed. The 'All Ireland Cancer Statistics Second Report 1998-2000' says that prevention initiatives need to be implemented right across the island in a bid to target urban areas which have the highest incidence.
Smoking ban should lower lung cancer rates, report says
The Republic of Ireland's smoking ban should profoundly lower the rates of lung cancer, a new report has claimed. The 'All Ireland Cancer Statistics Second Report 1998-2000' says that prevention initiatives need to be implemented right across the island in a bid to target urban areas which have the highest incidence.
15 September 2017
50% Rise In Lung Cancer Cases Among Women - Report
There has been a 50% increase in lung cancer cases among women in last decade in Northern Ireland, according to a new report. The Queen's University research revealed a 37% increase in the number of lung cancer cases diagnosed since 2006.
50% Rise In Lung Cancer Cases Among Women - Report
There has been a 50% increase in lung cancer cases among women in last decade in Northern Ireland, according to a new report. The Queen's University research revealed a 37% increase in the number of lung cancer cases diagnosed since 2006.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, soon followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
