How much do you know about lung cancer?

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month and Macmillan Cancer Support is encouraging people to be aware of the signs and symptoms of the disease.

Lung cancer is common in both men and women, with around 46,400 cases diagnosed every year. Smoking cigarettes is the main cause of lung cancer, but non-smokers get it too. More than four in 10 people (44%) who are diagnosed with lung cancer in the UK are aged 75 and over.

Sue Green, senior information development nurse at Macmillan, said: “Knowing what changes to look for and when to see your doctor could make a real difference. Don’t be scared if you have symptoms, get them checked.”

The most common symptoms of lung cancer are:

• A cough that lasts for three weeks or more.

• A change in a cough you have had for a long time.

• A chest infection that doesn’t get better or having repeated chest infections.

• Feeling breathless and wheezy for no reason.

• Coughing up blood.

• A hoarse voice that lasts for three weeks or more.

• Pain in your chest or shoulder that doesn’t get better.

Other possible symptoms are:

• losing weight for no obvious reason
• feeling tired

Sue added: “Most people with these symptoms do not have lung cancer, they can be caused by other things. However, if do you have symptoms, don’t ignore them, see your doctor. If you do have cancer, the sooner it’s found, the better.”

If you need support or just want someone to talk to about lung cancer, call Macmillan Cancer Support free on 0808 808 00 00 or visit macmillan.org.uk