Lung cancer is deadlier than breast, prostate and colon cancers combined but is treatable and potentially curable, according to Free to Breathe, a non-profit organisation, which hopes to double the number of lung cancer survivors by 2022.

 

According to the Health Authority - Abu Dhabi (Haad), as many as 77 lung cancer cases were diagnosed in Abu Dhabi in 2013, 73 per cent of the patients being male and 27 per cent being female.

 

November was Lung Cancer Awareness Month, and as Dr Norbert W Dreier, consultant – Oncology at Bujreel Hospital Abu Dhabi, points out, people are largely unaware of how deadly lung cancer is.

 

“Lung cancer is by far the world’s biggest cancer killer,” said Dr Dreier.

 

“However, recent studies show that an estimated 77 per cent of lung cancer patients were unaware of the signs and symptoms. That strongly suggests that many people are being diagnosed too late for treatment," he said.

 

Diagnosing lung cancer earlier makes a big difference for a patient’s chances of survival. Lung cancer often has no symptoms or symptoms similar to other illnesses such as coughing, blood in sputum, shortness of breath, wheezing, hoarseness, chest pain and fatigue.”

 

“Early detection allows for a greater range of treatment options and can save your life,” said Dr Dreier.

 

“Anyone can get lung cancer, even people who have never smoked,” he said.

 

“However, people who have been heavy smokers for long periods of time are recommended to have yearly lung cancer screenings.”

 

“Lung cancer is treatable, potentially curable, so it is imperative to get checked as soon as symptoms arise.”

 

Symptoms, according to Dr. Dreier, would include a continuing cough or change in a long-standing cough, a chest infection which does not get better, becoming breathless and wheezing, coughing up blood-stained phlegm, chest or shoulder pain, a hoarse voice, a dull ache or a sharp pain when you cough or take a deep breath, loss of appetite or weight, difficulty swallowing, feeling extremely tired and lethargic, and swelling of the lymph nodes (glands) in the neck area. - TradeArabia News Service