MSP is backing campaign to raise awareness of dangers of lung cancer

Nov 5 2009 by Debbie Hall, West Lothian Courier

LIVINGSTON MSP Angela Constance is lending her support to Lung Cancer Awareness Month.

The event – running throughout November – will see groups such as Macmillan Cancer Support and the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation campaigning to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of lung cancer, and promoting the need to seek early diagnosis.

Lung cancer claims the lives of more than 34,000 people in the UK every year – more than Leukaemia, breast and prostate cancer combined.

More than two thirds of new cases are only diagnosed at a late stage, which dramatically reduces the chances of surviving, as people often dismiss early symptoms of lung cancer, such as coughs, or breathlessness, as routine ailments.

Ms Constance said: “While rates of lung cancer in Scotland are dropping, it still remains our most common cancer.

“Although it’s often associated with being a ‘smokers disease’, the fact is that one in six cases are not related to smoking.

“A continuing cough, breathlessness, having difficulty swallowing, or experiencing a dull ache or sharp pain when you cough can all be early warning signs.”