Advancement in lung cancer research has provided greater insights into the disease allowing for the development of new treatments which can provide improved outcomes for those living with lung cancer. Despite this, lung cancer remains amongst the highest contributor to cancer related deaths in Europe, responsible for almost 1 in every 5 of all cancer-related deaths.
It is well known that early diagnosis is an important step towards improving survival, and quality of life however, most lung cancer diagnoses are often made at a late stage, when the disease has spread to another part of the body, thus impacting survival. This is due in part to a lack of awareness of lung cancer symptoms as well as risk factors linked to the disease, among both the general population and healthcare professionals. Additionally, a lack of systematic lung cancer screening across Europe is contributing to late diagnosis.
Although lung cancer has been traditionally linked with a history of smoking, it is important to understand that people don’t need to have previously smoked to be at risk of developing lung cancer. It is known that exposure to certain substances (i.e., asbestos, radon, radioactive ores), a genetic predisposition and environmental pollution (i.e., diesel exhausts, inhaled chemicals, Arsenic in drinking water) can potentially increase the risk of developing lung cancer.
Sometimes lung cancer doesn’t have any presenting symptoms until the disease has developed to an advanced stage. In other cases, symptoms can be non-specific, and people may experience many symptoms at the same time. Symptoms can range from a persistent cough which has lasted for three or more weeks, a long-term cough that has changed, coughing up blood, breathlessness, and fatigue among others.
An unintended consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic has been delays accessing many healthcare services, so it is important to note that should respiratory symptoms persist following a negative COVID-19 test result, to follow up with your doctor and get checked.
The Get Checked Campaign aims to increase public awareness of signs, symptoms and not so well-known risk factors associated with Lung Cancer.
Lung Cancer Europe (LuCE) would like to invite you to attend our virtual launch of the Get Checked campaign on 1st November, from 15.00-16.00 CET.
This event will publicise a Europe wide lung cancer public awareness campaign aimed at saving lives and reducing mortality, by encouraging those with symptoms associated with lung cancer to get checked without delay and additionally, to increase knowledge of risk factors associated with the disease that go beyond smoking.
The event will be streamed via the LuCE social media platforms listed below:
We are looking forward to meeting you next Monday and welcome your participation in supporting this important campaign message. Remember, the earlier lung cancer is identified, the better the outcome. Don’t wait; Get Checked!
Yours Sincerely,
