FairLife LCC joins its voice to the European Institution for Lung Cancer in Europe (LuCE) and promotes the campaign “Get Checked” in Greece.

Get Checked – Anyone with lungs can get Lung Cancer.

Source: Lung Cancer Europe www.getchecked.eu

Lung Cancer Patient Groups unite in call for those who present symptoms to “Get Checked”.

 In conjunction with Lung Cancer Awareness Month (LCAM), Lung Cancer Europe (LuCE) is launching today the European- wide lung cancer public awareness campaign “Get Checked”, aimed at saving lives and reducing mortality by encouraging those with lung cancer symptoms to get checked without delay.

 

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. However, lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Europe, accounting for almost 1 in every 5 of all cancer-related deaths.

It is well known that early diagnosis is an important step towards survival and quality of life. However, most lung cancer diagnoses are often made at a late stage, when the disease has already spread to another part of the body, thus impacting survival. This is due partly to lack of awareness of lung cancer symptoms and risk factors linked to the disease, among the general public and healthcare professionals. Additionally, the lack of regular lung cancer screening across Europe contributes to late diagnosis.

Although lung cancer has been traditionally linked to a smoking history, it is important to understand that never smokers are also at risk of developing lung cancer. It is known that exposure to certain substances (i.e., asbestos, radon, radioactive ores), a genetic predisposition and environmental pollution (i.e., diesel exhausts, inhaled chemicals, arsenic in drinking water) can potentially increase the risk of developing lung cancer.

Sometimes, lung cancer symptoms do not appear, 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 or a change in a chronic cough to coughing up blood, breathlessness, fatigue and others.

An unintended consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic has been delays in accessing many healthcare services. Therefore, it is important to note that if respiratory symptoms persist, following a negative COVID-19 test result, you should follow up with your doctor and get checked.

The Get Checked Campaign aims to increase public awareness, regarding signs, symptoms and less 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.

 This initiative has been endorsed by the European Respiratory Society; the European Lung Foundation; and the European Patients forum.

For further information about Lung Cancer, contact:
Lung Cancer Europe www.lungcancereurope.eu
Get Checked www.getchecked.eu (website will be online on 1st November)
E-mail: luce@etop-eu.org
The campaign is an initiative of Lung Cancer Europe.

Lung Cancer Europe (LuCE) is the voice of lung cancer patients, lung cancer survivors and their families at a European level. LuCE provides a platform for lung cancer patient advocates at a national level, so as to raise awareness about inequalities in Europe, regarding access to lung cancer diagnostics, treatment and care. Moreover, LuCE supports European policies that can lead to improvements, regarding earlier detection, treatment, and care.

Know the signs and symptoms of Lung Cancer

  • Typical symptoms include:
  • Coughing up blood
  • Breathing difficulties or breathlessness
  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Shoulder, chest, or rib pain
  • Wheezing / hoarseness
  • Finger clubbing
  • Bone pain
  • Intermittent fever that lasts for weeks
  • Appetite or weight loss over a short period of time for no apparent reason
  • Persistent cough or change in a chronic cough

 

Know the risk factors associated with Lung Cancer

  • Smoking and secondhand smoke exposure
  • Exposure to radon
  • Exposure to asbestos
  • Cancer causing-agents in the workplace (i.e., radioactive ores, inhaled chemicals, diesel exhaust, etc.)
  • Chronic inflammation from infections and other conditions
  • Previous lung radiation therapy
  • Air pollution
  • Personal or family history of lung cancer
  • Arsenic in drinking water