A Macmillan nurse from the Isle of Wight is urging the public to get behind lung cancer awareness month this November by being signs and symptoms aware.
Emmaline Cornwell, a Macmillan lung cancer clinical nurse specialist based at the Isle of Wight NHS Trust says:
“On average, Macmillan Cancer Support estimate 122 people will be diagnosed with lung cancer every day in the UK. Almost 40% of these people will be diagnosed after an emergency admission to hospital.
Article continues below this advertisement “A big problem is that people don’t always associate their symptoms with lung cancer and assume that they are normal, everyday ailments – worryingly, half of those diagnosed experienced symptoms for more than three and a half months before they sought medical advice. That’s particularly common with people who smoke, who may just dismiss what they consider to be a smoker’s cough.
“Early diagnosis can, in some cases, mean the difference between whether curative treatment is an option or not. The top three signs to look out for are a persistent cough/change in cough pattern, coughing up blood, or chest pain. Although these symptoms can have other causes, it is best to get them checked by your GP. They may be able to put your mind at rest. Or if they think it might be cancer, it’s always best to be diagnosed as soon as possible”.
The call for awareness follows Macmillan Cancer Support’s new analysis in March which identified that UK survival rates are lagging ten years behind some other European Countries, with lung cancer a particular problem.
Emmaline concludes:
“Early diagnosis is one area where we can do more. Just by being aware of key symptoms, and encouraging friends or family members to get checked out if they recognise the signs in them you could help play a part – particularly in the over 65 age group who are more at risk and may be less aware”.
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Macmillan is only able to support posts like Emmaline’s thanks to the generosity of those who fundraise and give their time to help. If you’d like to support Macmillan on the Isle of Wight, contact the Fundraising Support Centre on 0300 1000 200 between 09:00-17:00 Monday-Friday, or email [email protected].
