Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in the UK. More than 46.000 people are diagnosed with it each year.
More than 85% of lung cases occur in people who smoke and who used to smoke. The number of cigarettes you have smoked and the number of years you have been a smoker can influence your risk of getting lung cancer. The risk gets lower only if you stop smoking, and only after 10 years, the risk of lung cancer falls to half that of a smoker.
There are many potential causes that lead to lung cancer, such as:
- Smoking tobacco
- Chemicals
- Air pollution
- Previous lung disease
- Exposure to radon gas
- Family history of lung cancer
Signs and symptoms
If you have any of the symptoms below, you should speak to your GP. Although, not all the symptoms mean you have lung cancer, as they can be quite common and may have different causes.
- A cough
- Regular chest infections
- Feeling out of breath either at rest or when doing day to day tasks
- Chest pain
- Feeling tired
- Appetite loss
- Weight loss
- A hoarse voice
- Blood in your mucus or phlegm
What do you need to do?
Have a balanced diet of low-fat, high in fibre foods. Be sure to eat lots of fruits, vegetables, and wholegrains. Regular exercise can also lower the risk of developing cancer. If you are a smoker, ask your GP, nurse practitioner or a pharmacist for help to quit smoking.