One in three people don’t know the signs of lung cancer
Irish Cancer Society and person living with lung cancer urge people to learn what to look out for as early detection saves lives
16 November 2023: New research shows that almost one in every three people don’t know any signs of lung cancer despite it being the leading cause of cancer deaths in Ireland.
More than 1,800 people die from lung cancer each year, with the majority of lung cancers (60%) being detected at a late stage, when they are much more difficult to treat.
Kevin O’Hagan, Cancer Prevention Manager at the Irish Cancer Society, says: “Six in every 10 lung cancer diagnoses in Ireland are detected at a late stage (Stage 3 or 4). Unfortunately, when somebody is diagnosed this late, it is so much harder to treat patients and get them on a pathway to recovery.”
Meanwhile, worrying new research from the Global Lung Cancer Coalition shows that 29% of Irish people don’t know any signs and symptoms of lung cancer. Symptoms of lung cancer can present as:
| o Difficulty breathing | o Coughing up blood-stained phlegm |
| o A cough that doesn't go away or a change in a long-term cough | o Pain in your chest, especially when you cough or breathe in |
| o Repeated chest infections that won't go away even after antibiotics | o Loss of appetite |
| o Wheezing | o Weight loss |
| o Feeling more tired than usual | o Swelling around your face and neck |
| o A hoarse voice | o Difficulty swallowing |
As well as creating public awareness around the symptoms of lung cancer, there are barriers to healthcare which stop people from attending their GP which urgently need to be addressed. Evidence shows that cost, people minimising their symptoms and difficulties in accessing GP appointments can prevent people from accessing care. The Irish Cancer Society has also long advocated for the introduction of a national lung cancer screening programme.
Dr. Patrick Redmond, GP and Associate Professor in General Practice at the RCSI says: "As a General Practitioner, I see first-hand the critical difference that early detection of cancer can make. Recognising the signs — such as persistent cough, unusual breathlessness, or unexplained weight loss — and acting quickly could be lifesaving. It is vital that we address the barriers to healthcare access and empower our patients with the knowledge to seek help promptly. I urge everyone to be attentive to their lung health and to consult their GP if they notice any concerning symptoms."
Tracy Byrne, founding member of the Irish Lung Cancer Community, was diagnosed with lung cancer aged just 35 years-old in 2019 after presenting to her GP with worsening back pain. An MRI revealed she had a lesion on her lung and that had spread to her spine. She was diagnosed with EGFR lung cancer, a non-smoking related type of the disease, and is calling for more public awareness.
She says: “To say I was shocked would be an understatement. I had no symptoms in my lung so I couldn’t understand this. Here I was going to get results for what I thought was routine back pain and within hours I was told that I have lung cancer with a secondary lesion in my spine."
She added: “I’m sharing my story because I want to help the lung cancer community overcome the stigma that comes with this type of cancer. We need to focus on becoming more empathetic towards people who are diagnosed with lung cancer, learning the risk factors, identifying the symptoms to help with early diagnosis and to highlight that anyone with lungs can get lung cancer as most people are not aware that you can get lung cancer regardless if you are a smoker or a non-smoker."
Prof. Jarushka Naidoo, Consultant Medical Oncologist at Beaumont Hospital, Professor of Medical Oncology at the RCSI, says: "There have been major advances in lung cancer treatment in recent years. However, in order for patients to be able to benefit from these treatments, we have to be able to: 1) detect lung cancer as early as possible; 2) have access to timely and appropriate tests to determine what type of lung cancer they have, to route then to the right treatment; and 3) have access to those treatments. Importantly - it is also widely known that patients' may not come forward if they are at high risk for lung cancer, due to the fear of being judged. I want to say- there is no judgement here. We have to overcome the stigma of lung cancer, and the only way to do that is to create a no-blame culture. No naming. No shaming. There is only, caring."
She added: "We can help rid society of that stigma if we invest in tools and resources, such as lung cancer screening, which would send a very clear message to the public that their lung health is a priority. If we can detect lung cancer earlier, we can get patients into new and emerging treatments, such as immunotherapy and targeted oral therapies. Some of these treatments and programs are not yet available in Ireland, and we have to push as a lung cancer community to prioritise them, and ensure patients have the best possible care.”
Throughout November and into December, the Irish Cancer Society will be hosting a series of Lung Cancer Awareness Road Shows and is calling on the public in these locations to come along, ask questions and meet with our cancer nurses. People can also check out the lung health checker online.
Anyone with questions or concerns about cancer can contact the Irish Cancer Society Support Line on Freephone 1800 200 700 or supportline@irishcancer.ie
The Irish Cancer Society's Lung Cancer Campaign is supported by Roche and AstraZeneca.
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