At the launch of the Irish Cancer Society’s Lung Cancer Awareness campaign 2012, the society has expressed concern at a recent report which shows lung cancer has overtaken breast cancer as the biggest cause of cancer death in women in Ireland for the first time. This year the society is encouraging everyone to Look After Your Lungs, know how best to prevent lung cancer, know the signs and symptoms and if you are concerned, go to your GP.
Lung cancer is now the biggest cancer killer in Ireland for both men and women with 1,708 people dying in 2010 (1,006 men and 702 women ). Breast cancer deaths for the same period amounted to 634. New cases of lung cancer in women have increased by 17.6 per cent in 2010 whereas breast cancer cases are increasing at a much lower rate. Smoking is the key cause of lung cancer and the number of cases is expected to grow each year as we see the effect take hold of increasing numbers of women smoking over the past 20 years.
Irish Cancer Society spokesperson Norma Cronin said: “We know that with early detection, there is a very real chance of effective treatment for lung cancer. The late stage of presentation of lung cancer in the past meant treatment options were limited, but now there is a clear plan to ensure that people are fast tracked so that diagnosis is made and treatment started quickly. Anyone concerned about lung cancer can now go to their GP where they will be examined and, if necessary, referred to a rapid access clinic”.
The Irish Cancer Society is strongly encouraging those concerned about lung cancer to call the Society’s National Cancer helpline on Freefone 1800 200700, or to visit their GP.
