February 3rd 2024.
Did you know that lung cancer is one of the most prevalent types of cancer in the UK? Unfortunately, there is a harmful misconception that it is solely a disease for smokers. However, the recent passing of A Place In the Sun's Jonnie Irwin has brought attention to the fact that anyone can be affected by this devastating illness. Jonnie's journey began in his lungs and eventually spread to his brain, making him one of the 34,800 individuals in the UK who lose their lives to lung cancer every year, according to Cancer Research UK. That means 95 people in our country die from this disease each day.
While lung cancer is the third most common type of cancer in the UK, behind breast and prostate cancer, it is actually the leading cause of cancer death, according to the charity. What's even more alarming is that 6,000 of those who die each year from lung cancer have never smoked. Dr. Deborah Lee of Dr. Fox Online Pharmacy reports that 14% of lung cancer cases in the UK occur in non-smokers. And when we say non-smokers, we mean those who have smoked less than 100 cigarettes in their lifetime.
It's important to change the messaging around lung cancer to ensure that non-smokers are aware that they too are at risk. In the past, the public health message was focused on the link between smoking and lung cancer, leading non-smokers to believe they were not susceptible to the disease. However, with 85% of the population being non-smokers, it's vital to spread awareness that lung cancer can affect anyone and everyone should be vigilant about its symptoms.
Early detection is key in treating and potentially saving lives from lung cancer. While 72% of cases in the UK are due to smoking, non-smokers can also develop lung cancer from other factors. Exposure to second-hand smoke, heavy metals, such as asbestos, arsenic, and chromium, and radon gas are all known to increase the risk of developing lung cancer. In fact, 15-35% of cases are caused by breathing in second-hand smoke alone. Even being married to a male smoker can increase a non-smoking woman's risk of lung cancer by 27%.
Other environmental factors, such as exposure to pollution and lung diseases, may also contribute to the development of lung cancer. Family history also plays a role in an individual's likelihood of getting the disease. However, it can be challenging for medical professionals to accurately measure the impact of these factors, as many patients who have lung diseases are also smokers.
So, what can non-smokers do to minimize their risk of getting lung cancer? The most obvious step is to avoid tobacco and stay away from second-hand smoke. Reducing exposure to air pollution and eating a diet rich in antioxidants, found in fruits and vegetables, can also help. It's essential to stay informed and proactive about your health, and if you experience any symptoms, don't be afraid to see your GP. A persistent cough, coughing up blood, feeling short of breath, pain when breathing or coughing, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss are all common symptoms of lung cancer that non-smokers should look out for.
In conclusion, it's crucial to change the perception that lung cancer is only a smoker's disease. Non-smokers are also at risk, and it's vital to spread awareness and education about the disease. By staying informed and taking preventative measures, such as avoiding tobacco and exposure to pollutants, we can all work towards reducing the impact of lung cancer in our society.
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