Lung Cancer Awareness Month
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month.
Did you know that each year, more than 12,000 Australians are diagnosed with lung cancer?
This month, we urge everyone to be aware of the signs and symptoms of lung cancer to raise awareness of early diagnosis. It’s important to know the symptoms as although it occurs mostly in people aged 60 and over, it can affect people of any age.
What are the symptoms?
• coughing up blood
• a new or changed cough that doesn’t go away
• chest pain and/or shoulder pain or discomfort – the pain may be worse with coughing or deep breathing
• trouble breathing or shortness of breath
• hoarse voice
• weight loss
• loss of appetite
• chest infection that doesn’t go away
• tiredness or weakness
Many conditions can cause these symptoms, not just lung cancer.
Anyone can get lung cancer, even if they have never smoked. If you have any of these symptoms and they are persistent, talk to a doctor.