The Institute of Cancer urges you to 'Breathe Easy'
17 Nov 2005 - 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. The Institute of Cancer Research urges you to stop smoking so you, and others close to you, can ‘Breathe Easy’.
Professor David Phillips from The Institute of Cancer Research said: “We know 9 out of 10 cases of lung cancer could easily be prevented. 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 it 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 smoke.
Find out more about Professor Phillips’ Research and The Institute's Section of Molecular Carcinogenesis.
