There were 1,290 cases of lung cancer diagnosed in Northern Ireland in 2016. Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers in Northern Ireland. It is more common in people over 50. Although it is more common in smokers, around one in eight people with lung cancer has never smoked. Finding lung cancer early improves the chances of successful treatment.
Signs and symptoms
Common symptoms can include:
- persistent cough (more than 3 weeks);
- coughing up blood or bloodstained phlegm (sputum);
- chest and/or shoulder pains;
- tiredness and loss of energy;
- weight loss (for no obvious reason);
- shortness of breath or wheezing;
- hoarse voice;
- a change in shape at the end of your fingers (clubbing).
If you regularly experience any of these symptoms, it is important that you see your GP.
Lung cancer: Michele's story
There are a number of websites that provide information relating to lung cancer, these include:
- Action Cancer
- Cancer Focus NI
- Macmillan Cancer Support
- Northern Ireland Cancer Network
- Cancer Research UK
- United Kingdom Lung Cancer Coalition
- Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation
This is not an exhaustive list and other sources of support in Northern Ireland can also be accessed via Northern Ireland Cancer Network.