MORE than 90 people in Limerick are diagnosed with lung cancer every year, with numbers expected to double over the coming decades.
The Irish Cancer Society has said that recent research by the National Cancer Registry of Ireland shows that lung cancer incidence could double by 2045, with the possibility of substantial increases (up to 176 per cent) in the numbers of women being diagnosed.
The organisation has launched its annual lung cancer awareness campaign in a bid to increase early detection of the disease.
Aoife McNamara, information development manager with the Irish Cancer Society said: “In order to address this increase, we must concentrate now more than ever on detecting lung cancer early. When lung cancer is diagnosed at stage I or II, two-thirds of patients survive at least a year compared with just one-quarter who are diagnosed with a later stage lung cancer.
“When lung cancer is diagnosed late, treatment options are limited, and survival rates remain very low.
“It’s really important for everyone to know the signs and symptoms of lung cancer and the importance of getting checked out. If someone has difficulty breathing, is wheezing, or has a persistent cough, it’s really important to talk to a doctor immediately.”
This January, the Irish Cancer Society is also urging people to take its free online lung health checker quiz available at www.cancer.ie/lung/checker.
Anyone seeking support from the Irish Cancer Society can contact the Cancer Nurseline on Freephone 1800 200 700, email [email protected] or drop into one of 13 Daffodil Centres in hospitals nationwide.
by Kathy Masterson
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