International Lung Cancer Awareness Day – 17th November
Thursday 17 November 2005
The Institute of Cancer Research says ‘Breathe Easy’ on International Lung Cancer Awareness Day. Smoking and passive smoking cause a shocking 90% of all cases of lung cancer so The Institute of Cancer Research urges you to stop smoking so you, and others close to you, can ‘Breathe Easy’.
More than 37,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with lung cancer each year, and alarmingly more than 33,000 people die each year from the disease. That’s more that 90 people every day.
Professor David Phillips from The Institute of Cancer Research said:
“The number of people dying from lung cancer is truly shocking, although it is encouraging that mortality from this disease in the UK is starting to fall. However, when we know 9 out of 10 cases could easily be prevented, these numbers are still much too high. We strongly urge smokers to look at the facts and take action immediately; the evidence shows that your health will start improving from the moment you stop smoking, so it’s never too late to quit.”
Alarmingly, 80% of cases of lung cancer are inoperable because the disease is diagnosed too late as lung cancer often has few symptoms in its early stages. It’s imperative that everyone is aware of the symptoms so they can seek medical attention immediately. The symptoms to look out for are:
- A cough which lasts more than three weeks
- Persistent wheezing and shortness of breath
- Recurrent chest infections
- Chest pains
- Coughing up blood
- Unexplained weight loss
Although the number of people in the UK dying from lung cancer is falling, largely attributable to a decrease in the number of people smoking, current figures indicate that one in four adults still smokes.
International Lung Cancer Awareness Day was founded by The Global Lung Cancer Coalition (GLCC). The theme for this year is "No one in the world deserves lung cancer". For more information visit: www.lungcancercoalition.org
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For further information / interviews please contact:
The Institute of Cancer Research Press Office
Tel: 020 7153 5359
Out of hours: 07788 427856
Notes to Editors:
- The Institute of Cancer Research is Europe’s leading cancer research centre with expert scientists working on cutting edge research. It was founded in 1909 to carry out research into the causes of cancer and to develop new strategies for its prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care. Website at: www.icr.ac.uk
- The Institute works in a unique partnership with The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, forming the largest comprehensive cancer centre in Europe. This relationship enables close daily contact with those on the frontline in the fight against cancer - the clinicians, the carers and most importantly, the patients.
- The Institute is a charity that relies on voluntary income. The Institute is one of the world’s most cost-effective major cancer research organisations with over 90p in every £ directly supporting research.