World Lung Cancer Day
Aug 1, 2023Today is World Lung Cancer Day.
World Lung Cancer Day is an annual event held on August 1, with the purpose of increasing awareness about this life-threatening condition, highlighting its risk factors, and challenging the stigma frequently linked to lung cancer.
Lung cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in one or both lungs. There are two types of lung cancer – small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer.
Adults between the ages of 40 and 70 who have smoked cigarettes for at least 20 years are most at risk of developing lung cancer. But there are many other risk factors including previous lung disease (COPD/TB), passive smoking exposure, family history and occupational exposure.
The signs and symptoms commonly include:
• Persistent and recurrent chest infections
• Cough/hoarseness
• Unexplained chest/pleuritic pain
• Feeling breathless and wheezy for no reason
• Haemoptysis (coughing up blood)
• Unexplained lymphadenopathy
• Finger clubbing
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue and weakness
If you are experiencing any symptoms, please consult your GP in the first instance. Early detection and timely medical intervention can significantly improve treatment outcomes for lung cancer.
Please share this and help spread awareness on this World Lung Cancer Day and support those affected by this disease.
