Local Senedd Members Paul Davies and Samuel Kurtz have marked the end of Lung Cancer Awareness month by urging their constituents to familiarise themselves with the signs of lung cancer.
Lung cancer is the third most common cancer in the United Kingdom, with roughly 46,400 people being diagnosed with the disease each and every year.
Despite this, the main symptoms of lung cancer are not often initially recognised, this is often due to their similarities with other common illnesses.
The main symptoms of lung cancer include:
- a cough that does not go away after 3 weeks
- chest infections that keep coming back
- an ache or pain when breathing or coughing
- persistent breathlessness
Given the importance of early diagnosis, both Samuel Kurtz MS and Paul Davies MS have used their platform in the Welsh Parliament to raise awareness about the symptoms of lung cancer.
Speaking about the matter, Samuel Kurtz MS said:
“Sadly, cancer is all too common, but they key to beating it remains an early diagnosis.
“So, it’s important that everyone knows the symptoms and what to look out for. That’s why I’m using Lung Cancer Awareness month to urge everyone to get to know what to look out for with lung cancer.
“If you recognise any of the symptoms listed here, then please contact your GP as soon as possible. The sooner cancer is identified, the sooner you can receive the necessary treatment.”
Paul Davies MS added:
“Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Wales, and the opportunity to diagnose earlier is vital to improving survival rates.
“That’s why it's important to know what to look out for and how you can reduce your risk. Symptoms can include a persistent cough, chest or shoulder pain or even a loss of appetite and feel tired.
“There’s a wealth of information available on the NHS website and if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please speak to your GP.”
If you are worried about signs of lung cancer, NHS Wales has more information about the signs and symptoms of the disease. To find out more, please visit: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lung-cancer/
Should you have any lung cancer symptoms or notice anything that is unusual for you, then see your GP straight away.
