04/11/2025
Public Urged To Know Lung Cancer Signs And Reduce Risk
The Public Health Agency (PHA) is using Lung Cancer Awareness Month (November) to remind the public to be vigilant about the signs and symptoms of lung cancer and to take steps to reduce their personal risk.
Lung cancer remains one of the most common cancers in Northern Ireland. The latest published data for 2022 shows that 1,367 people were diagnosed with the disease here.
Dr. Louise Herron, Consultant in Service Development and Screening at the PHA, stressed the importance of early detection: "Lung cancer is more common in people over 50, but no matter what age you are, it is so important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of the disease as spotting it early could make a huge difference."
The PHA is advising people to contact their GP if they experience any of the following symptoms for three weeks or more:
• A persistent cough (lasting more than three weeks).
• Coughing up blood or blood-stained phlegm.
• Chest and/ or shoulder pains.
• Shortness of breath or wheezing.
• Hoarse voice.
• Tiredness and loss of energy.
• Weight loss (for no obvious reason).
• A change in the shape at the end of your fingers (clubbing).
Dr. Herron reiterated that while these symptoms may not be serious, "finding lung cancer early improves the chances of successful treatment."
The PHA states that quitting smoking is one of the biggest proactive steps an individual can take to improve health and reduce their long-term risk of lung cancer. After ten years of quitting, the risk of lung cancer falls to half that of someone who still smokes. Other preventative measures include maintaining a healthy weight, eating healthier foods, and being more active.
For more information on the signs and symptoms of lung cancer see www.becancerawareni.info.
The PHA's website www.StopSmokingNI.info offers a range of information and advice for those wanting to quit smoking, including information on free local stop smoking services.
For more tips and advice on getting active, setting yourself achievable targets and eating healthier, visit www.ChooseToLiveBetter.com.
Lung cancer remains one of the most common cancers in Northern Ireland. The latest published data for 2022 shows that 1,367 people were diagnosed with the disease here.
Dr. Louise Herron, Consultant in Service Development and Screening at the PHA, stressed the importance of early detection: "Lung cancer is more common in people over 50, but no matter what age you are, it is so important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of the disease as spotting it early could make a huge difference."
The PHA is advising people to contact their GP if they experience any of the following symptoms for three weeks or more:
• A persistent cough (lasting more than three weeks).
• Coughing up blood or blood-stained phlegm.
• Chest and/ or shoulder pains.
• Shortness of breath or wheezing.
• Hoarse voice.
• Tiredness and loss of energy.
• Weight loss (for no obvious reason).
Dr. Herron reiterated that while these symptoms may not be serious, "finding lung cancer early improves the chances of successful treatment."
The PHA states that quitting smoking is one of the biggest proactive steps an individual can take to improve health and reduce their long-term risk of lung cancer. After ten years of quitting, the risk of lung cancer falls to half that of someone who still smokes. Other preventative measures include maintaining a healthy weight, eating healthier foods, and being more active.
For more information on the signs and symptoms of lung cancer see www.becancerawareni.info.
The PHA's website www.StopSmokingNI.info offers a range of information and advice for those wanting to quit smoking, including information on free local stop smoking services.
For more tips and advice on getting active, setting yourself achievable targets and eating healthier, visit www.ChooseToLiveBetter.com.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.