Every November, the world comes together to recognise Lung Cancer Awareness Month, a vital time to raise awareness, promote early detection, support patients, and advocate for more research into the leading cause of cancer related deaths globally.

Understanding Lung Cancer

Lung cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the lungs grow uncontrollably, forming tumours that interfere with the lungs’ ability to supply oxygen to the body.

There are two main types of lung cancer:

• Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): This is the most common type, accounting for about 80-85% of cases. It includes subtypes such as adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma
• Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC): This type is less common but tends to grow and spread more quickly than NSCLC

Why Awareness matters

Lung cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, when treatment options are limited. However, when caught early, the survival rate increases dramatically. Awareness campaigns help:

• Encourage people at risk to talk to their doctors about screening.
• Reduce stigma around lung cancer.
• Increase funding for research and improved treatment.
• Empower communities with knowledge about prevention and support.

If the condition is diagnosed early and the cancerous cells are confirmed to a small area, surgery to remove the affected area of the lung is usually recommended. Survival rates can vary widely depending on how far the cancer has spread at the time of diagnosis. Early diagnosis can make a big difference.

Lung cancer is sometimes wrongly viewed as a smoker’s disease, leading to blame and stigma that can prevent patients from seeking help. Lung Cancer Awareness Month encourages compassion and understanding, emphasising that anyone with lungs can get lung cancer.

A lung cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, but in advances in personalised medicine, immunotherapy and targeted treatments, have improved outcomes significantly.

Know the Symptoms

Lung cancer symptoms sometimes do not appear until the disease is advanced. However, key symptoms to watch out for include:

• Persistent cough
• Coughing up blood
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Hoarseness
• Weight loss and loss of appetite
• Frequent respiratory infections

Lung cancer screening

In England, the NHS is beginning lung cancer screening health checks to diagnose people at risk of lung cancer at an early stage. This is for people over 55 years who smoke or used to smoke. There are plans to start similar programmes in Scotland and Wales.

Lung Cancer Awareness Month is a perfect time to make a difference:

• Wear White
• Spread the word
• Support research
• Educate yourself and others
• Show support

If you feel you or a loved one have had a delay in a diagnosis of lung cancer and have suffered a worse outcome as a consequence, please contact our experienced medical negligenceClinical Negligence team on 01482 323697.