According to the NHS, some 47,000 people are diagnosed with lung cancer every year in the UK. Smoking is the most common cause of lung cancer, but people who have never smoked can develop the condition too.
According to Cancer Research UK, some 45 out of 100 people diagnosed with lung cancer in the UK are aged 75 and older.
Smoking is considered the biggest risk factor for smoking, but exposure to radon gas or certain chemicals in the workplace may also cause the disease.
A family history of lung cancer or certain treatments for other cancers may also increase your risk of the condition.
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What are the symptoms of lung cancer?
The NHS website explains that usually there are no signs or symptoms in the early stages of lung cancer.
However, many people with the condition will eventually develop tell-tale symptoms.
Any symptoms of lung cancer, or concerns about health in general, should be discussed with a GP.
As per the NHS website, symptoms of lung cancer include:
- a persistent cough
- coughing up blood
- persistent breathlessness
- unexplained tiredness and weight loss
- an ache or pain when breathing or coughing
The main symptoms of lung cancer are:
- a cough that doesn’t go away after two or three weeks
- a long-standing cough that gets worse
- chest infections that keep coming back
- coughing up blood
- an ache or pain when breathing or coughing
- persistent breathlessness
- persistent tiredness or lack of energy
- loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss
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The outlook for lung cancer isn’t as good as for other cancers, because it often doesn’t cause any symptoms until it has spread through the lungs or other parts of the body.
The NHS explains on its website: “Lung cancer does not usually cause noticeable symptoms until it’s spread through the lungs or into other parts of the body.
“This means the outlook for the condition is not as good as many other types of cancer.
“About 1 in 3 people with the condition live for at least 1 year after they’re diagnosed and about 1 in 20 people live at least 10 years.
“However, survival rates vary widely, depending on how far the cancer has spread at the time of diagnosis. Early diagnosis can make a big difference.”
Treatments for lung cancer will vary dependent on the patient’s needs, but can include chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery.