Around 47,000 people are diagnosed with lung cancer in the UK every year. As well as being one of the most common types of cancer, it is also one of the most serious. It is difficult to catch lung cancer early as, say the NHS: “There are usually no signs or symptoms in the early stages of lung cancer.” Should the cancer be diagnosed early, then the affected part of the lung can be removed.
However, if the cancer has progressed further, then either radiotherapy or chemotherapy may be employed.
Today, however, a new ground-breaking treatment for lung cancer has been approved for use by the NHS.
It’s called atezolizumab and it’s a form of immunotherapy that will be used to treat non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
More than 850 patients in the UK will be eligible for the drug in the first year, rising to a 1,000 in the third year.
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The NHS says that trials have shown that atezolizumab can “significantly reduce the risk of cancer recurrence or death by 34 precent in people with early-stage NSCLC”.
Amanda Pritchard, chief executive of NHS England said: “By making atezolizumab available at the earliest opportunity, NHS patients now have a very exciting new treatment which has the potential to dramatically reduce their risk of cancer relapse.”
As part of the NHS’s long-term plan, they aim to save 55,000 more people every year.
Just as with other cancers, there are number of symptoms, most of which are found in the act of coughing.
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So does occupational exposure and pollution to chemicals including:
• Arsenic
• Asbestos
• Beryllium
• Cadmium
• Coal and coke fumes
• Silica
• Nickel.
If you experience any symptoms of lung cancer, contact your GP and book a consultation as soon as possible.