Did you know that January is Lung Cancer Awareness Month? Did you also know that Irish women ranked among highest in Europe for lung cancer mortality? Yes, really.
According to a new report by the National Cancer Registry of Ireland, lung cancer mortality for Ireland is 34% higher than the EU average and it accounts for 18% of cancer deaths in women.
Not only that, while the rate of lung cancer in Irish males declined steadily (at almost one per cent annually) during 1994 – 2012, it increased significantly in females (over two per cent annually) in the same period.
What's the primary cause for the increase? Smoking among Irish women.
Let's put the spotlight on lung cancer. Read this advice, pass it on to all the ladies in your life. Highlight it, shout about it, scream about it if you have to. We need to change these horrifying statistics, now. And soon, before it's too late for some.
Here are some steps to help make that happen:
Stop smoking
90% of lung cancer is attributed to smoking. Giving up cigarettes is the single most important thing any smoker can do to reduce their risk of cancer. Non-smokers should avoid second-hand smoke, even if it means leaving a room when someone lights up.
If you need help call the HSE Quit Team on Freephone 1800 201 203 or
Freetext QUIT to 50100. Visit
www.quit.ie where support is available from smoking cessation counsellors.
Avoid pollutants
If you're working with cancer-causing substances, it's vital to follow the health and safety instructions. The guidelines are there for a reason, so we should all be following them. Find out more about pollutants and cancer risk
here.
Eat healthy
We all enjoy the odd takeaway, but it's important to realise that too much bad food is dangerous for our bodies. Foods that are high in sugar, salt and fat are bad for our health in general and contribute to all cancers, including lung cancer. Adding more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and pulses to our diet help to reduce the risk of cancer.
Get physical
Not only does regular exercise help you feel better in your body, it also reduces the risk of all cancers. Hit the gym, hop in the pool, join a sports team or simply go for a brisk walk every day – people who follow a healthy lifestyle are around 20% less likely to get cancer.
Recognise the signs
Catching the symptoms early is key to beating this disease, so make sure you're aware of what they are. The signs of lung cancer are:
- A cough that doesn’t go away or a change in a long-term cough
- Feeling short of breath or wheezing
- Repeated chest infections that won’t go away even after antibiotics
- Coughing up blood-stained phlegm (sputum)
- Pain in your chest, especially when you cough or breathe
- Feeling more tired than usual and/or unexplained weight loss
- Hoarse voice, problems swallowing or swelling in the face or neck
If you’re concerned about any of these, then ring the Irish Cancer Society National Cancer Helpline Freefone on 1800 200 700 to speak to a specialist cancer nurse. You can also visit
www.cancer.ie 
