Lung cancer: Signs and symptoms

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. There are 49,200 new lung cancer cases in the UK every year, which equates to 130 new cases every day and the projections, as per Cancer Research, is that there could be around 66,200 new cases of lung cancer every year by 2038-40.

Not only are lung cancer cases on the rise but lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, with an estimated 1.8 million in 2020. Although the third most common cancer in the UK, lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer death for both men and women, accounting for 21% of all cancer deaths. with non-small cell lung cancer being the most common type.

There are usually no signs or symptoms in the early stages, but things to see a doctor about include:

• a cough that does not go away after a few weeks
• a long-standing cough that gets worse
• chest infections that keep coming back
• coughing up blood
• losing weight without trying

Anyone can develop lung cancer, but more than 60% of cases in the UK occur in people who smoke or who used to smoke. Your risk of getting lung cancer increases with the number of cigarettes you’ve smoked and the number of years you’ve been a smoker. If you stop smoking, the risk gets lower over time – after 10 years, your risk of lung cancer falls to half that of a smoker. 79% of lung cancer cases in the UK are preventable.

This link gives information on services to help you stop smoking: NHS stop smoking services help you quit – NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Breathing in other people’s smoke over a long period can also increase your risk of getting lung cancer.

Other environmental factors, such as exposure to asbestos, can increase the risk as well. 13% of lung cancer cases in the UK are caused by workplace related exposure; such cases are known as industrial disease. For more information in respect of industrial disease and claims that could be made in respect of this, please see our articles on the website.

People who’ve never smoked are more likely to develop one particular type of lung cancer called adenocarcinoma. Lung cancer usually affects people over the age of 60. Younger people can develop lung cancer, but this is rare.

If the condition is diagnosed early and the cancerous cells are confined to a small area, surgery to remove the affected area of the lung is usually recommended. Survival rates can vary widely depending on how far the cancer has spread at the time of diagnosis. Early diagnosis can make a big difference. A recent report on the NHS stated that there have been notable improvements in the early detection of lung cancer due to the targeted lung check programme.

The lung health check programme

People in Humber and North Yorkshire aged between 55 and 74, who smoke or used to smoke, and are registered with a local GP, could be eligible for a free NHS Targeted Lung Health Check. This is because research shows these people are most at risk of developing lung problems, including lung cancer. Follow the link below to see whether you are eligible and locations that offer the checks near you:

Lung Health Checks – Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance (hnycanceralliance.org.uk)

If you or a loved one have suffered delayed diagnosis of lung cancer, please contact our Medical Negligence team. Here at Williamsons, we have extensive experience in representing those who have experienced negligent cancer diagnoses and care and have secured substantial sums of compensation to help with their futures. Although this does not change what has happened, obtaining compensation can go some way to help, such as by providing access to the best private rehabilitation services, care services, aids and equipment and property adaptation.

As well as compensation, we are tireless in our pursuit for justice for our clients and we recognise the importance of securing acknowledgment of failings and apologies. If you would like to speak to one of our experienced team, please contact Williamsons on 01482 323697.