During the month of November, the Cancer Council and the Lung Foundation are urging Australians to become more informed of the signs, symptoms and treatment options for lung cancer, According to the Cancer Council, lung cancer is the fifth most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia and it is estimated that one in twenty people will be diagnosed by the time they are 85 years.

The main symptoms to be aware of are:

• shortness of breath
• hoarseness of the voice
• chest pain
• coughing up blood
• a new cough that does not go away
• chest infection that lasts more than three weeks
• weight loss
• loss of appetite
• tiredness

The main causes of lung cancer are:
• smoking
• passive smoking
• exposure to asbestos
• exposure to radioactive gas
• family history
• history of lung disease such as emphysema
• older age
• exposure to occupational substances such as arsenic, diesel

The Australian Government has launched the National Lung Cancer Screening Program for people between 50 and 70 years, who are current smokers or have a history of smoking and show no signs and symptoms of lung cancer. To find out more, click here

If you have any of the symptoms as described, please make an appointment with your GP, click here or phone 8370 9777 to speak to a receptionist for an appointment.