 |
 |
It's Lung Health Awareness Month
ShareThis is a health campaign worth paying attention to. After all, lung cancer is the leading cause of death in Australia. Close to 12,000 people are diagnosed with the disease every year in our country.
Led by Lung Foundation Australia and Cancer Australia, this year’s Lung Health Awareness Month looks at reducing the stigma associated with lung disease.
Upcoming events
Keep an eye out for events throughout the month in your area. Lung Foundation Australia is encouraging all of us to host a ‘Shine a Light on Lung Cancer’ event, bringing together supporters and survivors as one resilient voice. Check the website for more information.What is lung cancer?
Lung cancer happens when abnormal cells in the lung grow and spread. It affects both men and women.Lung cancer often goes undetected, because it can mimic other conditions. That’s why it’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of the disease.
These include:
- A cough that you’ve had for 3 weeks or longer
- A different cough to normal
- Persistent chest infection
- Chest pain
- Shoulder pain
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Coughing up blood
- Hoarse voice
- Shortness of breath
Cancer Australia has launched a new video, What's your cough telling you? which is well worth a watch.
What are the risk factors?
You could have a higher risk of lung cancer if you:- Smoke
- Are exposed to secondhand smoke
- Have a family history of lung cancer
- Have had radiotherapy to the chest
- Have been exposed to radon, asbestos fibres, or air pollution
- Have a history of other diseases in the lung such as pulmonary fibrosis or tuberculosis
Printer Friendly Version
References
Related Modalities
Children’s Health Men's Health Women's Health
