January is officially Lung Cancer Awareness Month, and it’s an issue that badly needs our attention.
A new report by the National Cancer Registry of Ireland has found that significantly more Irish women are dying from lung cancer compared to our European counterparts. 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 can this to be attributed to? The high rates of smoking among Irish women.
Let’s put the spotlight on lung cancer. Take the time to read the following advice and pass it on to the ladies in your life. We need to make sure those statistics change, and we’re the only ones who can do it.
Stop smoking
90 per cent of 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 quitting 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 do 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, hope in the pool, join a sports team or simply go for a walk every day – people who follow a healthy lifestyle are around 20 per cent 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
