Lung cancer is the third most common cancer in the UK and the risk of developing it increases as we age.
The disease of the lungs is said to kill around half of people within one year of a diagnosis, even with treatment.
This is why lung cancer needs to be detected as early as possible as it could mean a greater chance of survival if symptoms are spotted soon.
Other factors for survival include the staging of the disease and the overall health of the patient.
The stage of a cancer relates to its size and position and whether it has spread from where it started.
Medical negligence solicitor Kim Jackson from Patient Claim Line explained the early symptoms of lung cancer.
“Red flag symptoms include a persistent cough that can deteriorate, coughing up blood and chest pain that is worse with deep breathing, coughing or laughing,” she pointed out.
“A loss of appetite, weight loss that cannot be explained and fatigue are also key signs of lung cancer.
“Watch out for hoarseness, breathlessness, a new onset of wheezing and infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia that are persistent.”
Main cause of lung cancer
“In the UK over 70% of lung cancer cases are as a result of smoking,” said Jackson.
“It is believed that smoking causes lung cancer by damaging the lining of the lungs.
“Cigarette smoke contains carcinogens, which changes the lung tissue.
“Over time, the damage that is being caused to the lung tissue causes cells to act abnormally and this is when cancer develops.”
How to quit smoking
Unfortunately, nicotine is a powerful substance that is highly addictive, and therefore quitting using willpower alone might not work for some.
“Give yourself a better chance of success by using stop smoking medication,” says the NHS Inform.
“You're much more likely to succeed with the help of nicotine replacement therapy and the support of a local smoking cessation group.
“If you're taking any other medication, you must speak to the health professional who provides your prescription.”
There are a range of products that are said to help make quitting smoking easier.
4nx nicotine pouches are smoke free, odour-free and easy to use.
4nx was developed and researched in 2018 and was available to buy in 2020.
The brand was created to look for an improved alternative to smoking, with the aim to wean individuals off tobacco-infused products, providing a safer and better alternative to smoking.
4nx is a slim nicotine pouch that you place under your upper lip and once placed, a tingling sensation will occur which means the nicotine is working.
Evidence has found that nicotine pouches such as 4nx can help lower your risk of heart disease, lung cancer and stroke.
New lung cancer screening in the UK
In recent news, The UK National Screening Committee has given a positive recommendation for the introduction of the country’s first targeted national cancer screening programme.
The screening aims to help find people with lung cancer early before any obvious symptoms.
This national programme has the potential to save thousands of lives.
The aim is to identify people with a higher risk aged between 55 and 74 with a history of smoking.
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