Check that cough/ November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month – Richmond

While Covid-19 is at the forefront this winter, it is crucial that the symptoms of other respiratory diseases, like a persistent cough, do not go unnoticed, according to Fine Gael TD, Neale Richmond.

Deputy Richmond said: “November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month and I am delighted to be working again with the Marie Keating Foundation on their new awareness campaign, the Big Check Up, alongside the Tánaiste, Leo Varadkar.

“With 2,795 people diagnosed with lung cancer each year, it is Ireland’s fourth most common cancer.

“According to figures supplied to me through a Parliamentary Question to the Minister for Health, the five-year survival rate for people diagnosed in Stage 1 is 43.1%, dropping to 9.4% in those diagnosed with Stage 3 cancer, and 3% in those with Stage 4.

“It is clear that early detection is crucial in improving survival. It is vital that everyone is aware of the symptoms of lung cancer, that we check in with our family and friends to ensure that any potential symptoms do not go unnoticed due to the prevalence of Covid-19 or the Flu.

“Symptoms of lung cancer include a stubborn cough that won’t go away, or a change in a cough you have had for some time, being short of breath, coughing up blood, aches or pains in the chest, loss of appetite and fatigue, among others.

“While smoking is linked to more than 80% of lung cancer cases, many people who have never smoked can develop this disease.

“The Marie Keating Foundation is urging everyone to partake in the Big Check Up with their friends and family this year, be it on video call or in person, to raise awareness of the symptoms of lung cancer.

“Worryingly, many people feel that seeing their GP with a persistent cough or other lung cancer symptoms is a waste of their time.

“More than half of people would not act immediately if they were displaying a symptom of lung cancer.

“There has also been a decline in referrals to cancer diagnostic clinics this Spring due to the Covid-19 pandemic and so it is crucial that symptoms do not go unnoticed.

“Therefore, it is so important that we take part in the Big Check Up this month to help raise awareness of the symptoms of lung cancer and what steps to take if you are experiencing these symptoms.

“Marie Keating have launched the world’s first cough checker phone-line to help catch lung cancer. You can call 1800-COUGHS, that’s 1800 268 447, to check your cough.

“The threat of lung cancer has not gone away due to Covid-19.

“This year everyone has stayed indoors to keep our friends and family safe. Now, we must check in with each other to ensure we can stay safe.

“Check that cough!”