There are around 48,500 new lung cancer cases in the UK every year. Lung Cancer continues to carry an ominous reputation being the second most diagnosed cancer in both men and women. In 2020 alone, there were more deaths resulting from lung cancer than breast, colorectal and prostate cancer combined.
November is lung cancer awareness month and, in an effort, to create an understanding of this devastating disease that claims countless lives each year, we look at the two types of lung cancer, the diagnosis, and what to do if you are a victim of delayed diagnosis.
Understanding Lung Cancer
Lung cancer begins as nothing more than a malignancy, usually in the bronchial tubes. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the more common of the two types of lung cancer and accounts for 85% of all cases. The other type is small cell lung cancer (SCLC) which is less common but more aggressive.
The fatality of lung cancer usually stems from late diagnosis which makes treatment ineffective. It is therefore imperative that healthcare providers meet the standard of care that is expected in diagnosing, treating, or managing lung cancer. The Lung Cancer Research Foundation shares incredible stories of cancer patients and their journey, and it is eye-opening to see how many people discovered their diagnosis by mere chance. Their stories aim to remind us that lung cancer is a reality that affects so many and not just the usual suspects like heavy smokers. It is therefore crucial to take steps to learn more about how you can recognise the symptoms for lung cancer and ensure that you get screened.
Signs and symptoms of lung cancer
One of the reasons that lung cancer often goes undiagnosed until it is too late is because of the generic symptoms that it causes such as:
- Coughing that does not go away
- Coughing up blood
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling very tired
- Unexplained weight loss
This is why it is imperative that you see your GP as soon as you can if you are suffering from symptoms that are not normal for you. The earlier that you find lung cancer, the more treatment options that are available and the more likely the chance is of being cured.
The UK National Screening Committee have recommended that a lung cancer screening programme be offered across the UK. This is something that has previously been offered in the US but not in the UK. It is believed that this will help the NHS in detecting lung cancer earlier and save money in the process. When the screening has been rolled out it will be offered to everyone at high risk of lung cancer; people who are aged between 55 and 74 and either smoke or used to smoke.
Conclusion
The theme for this year’s cancer awareness is education, empowerment, and eradication in effort to create a global call for people to make better lifestyle choices, promote education about the importance of screening, early diagnosis, and preventative measures, and look at how to set goals and strategies that will help to eradicate lung cancer.
If you have received a late diagnosis because of delayed treatment or misdiagnosis, you may be eligible to claim. Our clinical negligence lawyers have experience dealing with clients who have suffered from lung cancer and believe that it should not be a death sentence. They work on a no-win, no-fee basis, so there is no risk to starting a claim as all costs would be covered.
Call us on 01256 844888 if you have any questions so that we may give you the clarity and support that you need to get through this.