Lung Cancer Awareness Month

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. The aim to raise awareness about lung cancer, the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia and the fifth most common cause of cancer deaths in Australia according to Australian Institute of Health and Welfare data.

Source: Cancer Council

The Cancer Councils Making Smoking History Manager says that 90% of lung cancer cases in men are directly related to smoking and 65% of case in women. There are thousands of compounds in cigarettes including many known carcinogens from various chemical classes. See the Cancer Council's site for more information.

Symptoms of lung cancer include shortness of breath, wheezing, chest pain, coughing or spitting up blood, a persistent cough. recurring bronchitis or pneumonia, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss and fatigue. Visit your health professional if you are suffering from any of these symptoms. Early diagnosis increases the success rate treatment.

If you want to quit smoking and need help call the Cancer Council's Quitline on 137848 or visit makesmokinghistory.org.au