A survey by the Global Lung Cancer Coalition has found that 26% of people in the UK did not know any symptoms of lung cancer.
According to the figures, Japan has the lowest level of symptom recognition, with a staggering 54% of respondents unable to name a symptom of lung cancer. Meanwhile, South Africa topped the poll, with only 17% of respondent failing to recall a symptom of the disease.
Over 48,500 people are diagnosed with lung cancer in the UK every year. Around three quarters of those diagnosed have late-stage disease.
As a result, lung cancer kills more people than breast, prostate and pancreatic cancers combined and accounts for over a fifth of all cancer deaths.
Paula Chadwick, chief executive of Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, is concerned by the results:
It is highly alarming to learn that over a quarter of people cannot name a single symptom of lung cancer.
Paula Chadwick, chief executive, Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation
“When lung cancer is caught early, there are many more treatment options, including curative treatment, such as surgery. Being able to recognise symptoms is the first step in improving early detection and saving lives.”
Acting on potential symptoms
Alison McHugh from Darlington was thinking about lung cancer when she went to her doctors, even though her father had died from the disease at around the same age.
In fact, Alison was somewhat reluctant to seek help with what she saw as innocuous symptoms.
“My symptoms definitely didn’t feel particularly serious,” recalls Alison. “I was feeling quite tired but that wasn’t uncommon. The only other symptom I had was I would randomly have a tight feeling in my chest time to time.
A friend kept encouraging me to go and see the GP, but I felt a bit of a fraud. I thought it was just going to be a virus or maybe a lack of iron.
Alison McHugh, diagnosed with early stage lung cancer
“Despite my reluctance, the surgery was brilliant, and I got an appointment within an hour or so. The GP arranged an ECG and blood tests. My chest sounded clear, and my blood pressure was fine.
“Then, almost as an afterthought, the GP said she would send me for an x-ray ‘just in case’. That x-ray saved my life.”
Early detection saves lives
Alison went on to be diagnosed with lung cancer but, unlike her father’s experience which was ‘swift and brutal’, Alison’s cancer was treated, and her latest scans are now all clear.
“It is so encouraging to hear stories like Alisons,” continues Paula, “as far too often people aren’t sent for tests as quickly as they should be.
However, Alison’s experience also highlights the problem around symptoms. Unlike other cancers, the symptoms of lung cancer can be very subtle and easily put down to other causes, or dismissed altogether.
Paula Chadwick, chief executive
“Alison presumed her lack of energy was because of a virus or iron deficiency. Lung cancer never even crossed her mind. Thank goodness her friend pushed her to go to the doctors otherwise it could have been a very different outcome.”
There are many different symptoms of lung cancer including a persistent cough that lasts three weeks or more, getting short of breath, repeat chest infections, coughing up blood, a cough that changes or gets worse, wheezing, chest pain, a hoarse voice, shoulder pain, back pain and clubbing of the fingers.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, or if something isn’t right for you, contact your GP. Check out our blog – What to do if you have symptoms and how to get the most out of your appointment – for further help and advice.