November, Lung Cancer Awareness Month, provides the opportunity to raise community awareness of lung cancer and the signs and symptoms of the disease.
Lung cancer is the leading cause of death in Australia with around 12,000 people diagnosed in Australia each year. The symptoms of lung cancer can often be vague and mimic those of other conditions, so it’s important to know what your cough is telling you.
- a new cough that has persisted for 3 weeks or more
- a changed cough
- coughing up blood
- a chest infection that won’t go away
- chest pain and/or shoulder pain
- shortness of breath
- hoarse voice
- weight loss or loss of appetite
Cancer Australia has released a new lung cancer awareness video, What’s your cough telling you? to raise awareness of symptoms that could be lung cancer and the importance of early assessment by a GP or healthcare worker. If lung cancer is found at an earlier stage there is more chance of a better outcome.
- View the video What’s your cough telling you?
- View the video symptoms that may be lung cancer
- Facts about lung cancer
- Lung cancer statistics
- Lung cancer in our mob – a module for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health professionals