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 cancerscreening across Europe is contributing to late diagnosis.

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.

The Get Checked! Campaign aims to increase public awareness of signs, symptoms and not so well-known risk factors associated with Lung Cancer.

Remember, anyone with lungs can get lung cancer. The earlier the disease is identified, the better the outcome. Don’t wait, Get Checked!