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Press releases
November 2, 2005 PEOPLE DYING NEEDLESSLY FROM LUNG CANCER SAY TWO LEADING CHARITIESLung cancer claims the lives of 92 people a day but more could be saved if only it was detected earlier say Macmillan Cancer Relief and The Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation. For 80 per cent of people with lung cancer the disease is inoperable because it has been diagnosed so late. If people were diagnosed at a much earlier stage, it would be possible for many more of them to have an operation that could potentially cure their cancer say Macmillan1 and The Foundation2. Professor Jessica Corner, Director for Improving Cancer Services, Macmillan Cancer Relief, said: “Lung cancer is the UK’s biggest cancer killer. We want to hit home the message that early diagnosis saves lives, you must get checked out if you show any symptoms. Just because you don’t smoke it doesn’t mean you aren’t at risk, 10 per cent of lung cancer cases are not related to smoking.” Macmillan and The Foundation have joined forces for the fourth year running during Global Lung Cancer Awareness Month, this November, to raise awareness of the UK’s biggest cancer killer. Lung cancer is also the most common cancer killer in the world. Eye-catching posters, leaflets, and beermats, highlighting the signs and symptoms of lung cancer and the importance of early diagnosis, are being distributed UK-wide through doctors’ surgeries, pharmacies, hospitals, smoking cessation services, libraries and pubs, all places those most at risk of lung cancer tend to visit. Dr Jesme Baird, Director of Patient Care at The Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation said: “Lung cancer can be a very devastating disease. The information on our posters and leaflets tells people what to look out for and encourages them to seek medical help early, ensuring they have the very best chance of survival." The main symptoms of lung cancer are:
If any of the above symptoms are experienced for more than three weeks, people are encouraged to visit their GP, particularly if they smoke or used to smoke. Macmillan and The Foundation would also like to see pharmacists displaying their awareness literature and encouraging people with symptoms to visit their doctors. Don Sutherland was diagnosed with lung cancer in 1997 and originally given three months to live because his oncologist believed his cancer had been there for up to five years. He believes his cancer is in remission now but said: “For three or four years before my diagnosis, both my wife and I noticed I seemed to lack energy and was tired more often but we both put it down to our lifestyle - hard work and hard play. If I had been able to have it diagnosed and treated earlier then it could have saved us a lot of grief and given me a better chance of totally beating the disease.” People wanting more information on lung cancer should call the Macmillan Cancer Line on 0808 808 2020 or email: cancerline@macmillan.org.uk or ring The Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation Helpline on 0800 358 7200. ENDS |
For further information, please contact: Kimberley Williams Agatha Chapman |
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