Research shows 2 in 5 Irish people know someone with lung cancer, as Irish Cancer Society marks lung cancer awareness month, in conjunction with Medtronic
2 in 5 (39%) Irish people have known or know someone with lung cancer, the Irish Cancer Society said today as it concluded its lung cancer awareness month, which is supported by Medtronic - one of the world's largest medical technology, services and solutions companies.
Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in Ireland and most recent figures show that over 2,300 people are diagnosed with lung cancer every year. Often lung cancer is diagnosed at a late stage which is why awareness of the symptoms and early detection is vital, the organisation said.
The Society and Medtronic encourages the public to visit its easy-to-use online lung health checker which is available on its website (www.cancer.ie/lung/checker), and allows the public to answer questions about their lung health and bring a summary of any noticeable symptoms to their doctor.
Speaking about the campaign, Kevin O’Hagan, Cancer Prevention Manager with the Irish Cancer Society said, “Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in Ireland and one of the reasons for this is the fact that the majority of people diagnosed are at a later stage in life. Figures show that 2 out of 3 lung cancers were diagnosed at a late stage.
“Awareness around the signs and symptoms of lung cancer and early detection is so important. We need everyone to keep their lung health at the forefront of their minds and be conscious of any changes that are not normal for them.
“That is why our online lung health checker is so useful, it goes through some questions about your lung health, and if there are areas of concern, people can print it out and bring it along to their GP. This can then help people to have a good conversation about all aspects of their lung health with their doctor. It’s a very simple but effective way of taking lung health seriously.”
O’Hagan added, “The Irish Cancer Society also intends on carrying out a new and extensive research study on the impact of lung cancer on patients and their families. The needs of lung cancer patients and their families are complex and it needs much deeper understanding so this piece of research is vital in informing the treatment and support of lung cancer patients.”
Bronwyn Brophy, Vice President, Early Technologies EMEA with Medtronic said, “Medtronic is committed to providing innovative diagnostic and therapeutic solutions for lung disease that have the potential to transform care and improve outcomes for patients worldwide. Campaigns like this are vital as cancer patients, in general, benefit from diagnosis of their condition at the earliest possible stage, which may lead to earlier treatments and, potentially, more favourable outcomes.”
“Lung cancer has an acute impact on so many people across Ireland, as illustrated by the findings from the Irish Cancer Society’s research. There is a clear need for greater awareness in this area to support early detection and higher survival rates and so Medtronic was delighted to support the Society’s campaign for the second year in a row. “
O’Hagan concluded, “Lung cancer is now the second most common cancer in Ireland and the incidence rates of lung cancer in females have risen considerably. According to the NCRI, they are 55% higher than the EU average. Many people are really frightened to talk to their GP about their symptoms but people need to know that looking after their lung health is a lifesaving measure.”
To speak to a cancer nurse on any aspect of lung cancer contact our Cancer Nurseline on Freephone 1800 200 700, email cancernurseline@irishcancer.ie or drop into one of our 13 Daffodil Centres in hospitals nationwide.
Visit www.cancer.ie/lung for further information on lung cancer and support available, to take the Online Lung Health Checker and to view the infographic.
