November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. The aim is to raise awareness of the disease, its symptoms and causes, and how it can be diagnosed and treated. The ultimate aim is to try and save lives.
How common is lung cancer?
Lung cancer is the third most common cancer in the UK with over 130 people being diagnosed each day.
Are there different types of lung cancer?
The two main types of primary lung cancer are non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer.
Metastases or secondary cancer can also occur in the lung if cancer spreads from another part of the body.
There is also a type of cancer which affects the lining of the lungs (the pleura) called mesothelioma.
What causes lung cancer?
The most common cause is smoking, which accounts for 7 out of 10 cases.
Other causes include exposure to radon gas, radiation therapy, air pollution and asbestos dust.
What are the signs and symptoms of lung cancer?
- a cough that lasts for 3 or more weeks
- an existing cough which gets worse
- a chest infection that does not get better with treatment or repeated chest infections
- coughing up blood
- shortness of breath
- a hoarse voice for 3 or more weeks
- unexplained loss of appetite and weight
- tiredness or lack of energy
- pain when breathing or coughing
You should see your GP if you are concerned about any such symptoms or if they are persisting.
How is lung cancer diagnosed?
A person will generally start with an examination by their GP which may include blood tests. If there are persistent symptoms, people will often be referred for a chest x-ray. If an x-ray shows an abnormality which needs exploring further, a CT scan is usually the next step. A CT scan provides a much more detailed image of the inside of the lungs and can be key to diagnosis.
Other diagnostic tools include a PET-CT scan, a bronchoscopy and biopsy, and other types of biopsy depending upon the location of the suspected cancer.
The introduction of a new screening programme
A new screening programme targeted at people at a higher risk of developing lung cancer is to be introduced in the UK. It is aimed at those between the ages of 55 and 74 who smoke or have smoked in the past. They will be invited to an assessment and, if they are identified as high risk, the intention is that they will be offered a low-dose CT scan to screen for early signs of the disease. The hope is that this will save lives given that treatment options are greater if the disease is identified early.
Asbestos exposure and lung cancer
At Oliver & Co Solicitors, we have a dedicated team of industrial disease solicitors who assist people in claiming compensation for asbestos-related lung cancer. We take a detailed employment and exposure history and offer no win, no fee advice on making a claim. If successful, any compensation awarded can then be used to help them during their illness.
It should be noted that smoking does not prevent a claim for asbestos-related lung cancer as the two components, smoking and asbestos exposure, work together to increase a person’s risk of developing lung cancer even further.
If you require assistance in pursuing an asbestos lung cancer claim, or believe you have a valid claim for any other asbestos disease, then please contact us today on our freephone number 0800 038 6767. Alternatively, head over to the ‘Contact Us’ page, complete the form and we will be in touch.
