Medical experts are issuing an urgent reminder about the often-overlooked signs of lung cancer during November's Lung Cancer Awareness Month, emphasising that this deadly disease doesn't just affect smokers.
The silent threat affecting non-smokers
Lung cancer remains one of Britain's most common cancers, with approximately 43,000 people diagnosed annually across the UK. Contrary to popular belief, smoking isn't the only risk factor - about 30% of those diagnosed each year have never smoked.
Dr Imran Hussain of the West Midlands Cancer Alliance explained: "The number of smokers has dramatically reduced in recent decades which is very welcome. The banning of smoking in public indoor spaces has also helped. However lung cancer is still the single largest cause of death from cancer in the UK."
Recognising the warning signs
The challenge with early detection lies in the fact that lung cancer often shows little or no symptoms in its initial stages. When symptoms do appear, they commonly include:
- A persistent cough that doesn't go away
- Coughing up blood
- Unexplained persistent breathlessness
- Significant tiredness without obvious cause
- Unexplained weight loss
- Aches and pains when breathing or coughing
Dr Hussain stressed: "That's why everyone needs an awareness of the symptoms and to act quickly if they are concerned."
Breakthrough in early detection
In the West Midlands alone, 179 people have benefited from early detection through lung cancer screening in the past 12 months, with many having no symptoms at all when their cancer was discovered.
"That is why it is so important that lung cancer screening is being rolled out across the West Midlands," Dr Hussain added. "In the last 12 months over 20,000 people have benefitted from lung health checks across the West Midlands."
This proactive approach has yielded remarkable results, with 179 patients receiving treatment for stage 1 or 2 lung cancer - conditions that carry a very good chance of successful treatment when caught early.
The screening programme specifically targets those most vulnerable statistically: people aged 55 to 74 who are current or former smokers. The initiative can detect tumours in people with absolutely no symptoms, leading to prompt treatment that proves completely successful in most cases.
The West Midlands Cancer Alliance, funded by NHS England, continues its mission to transform diagnosis, treatment and care for cancer patients throughout the region.
