Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is a disease which can affect anyone – men and women, young and old, smoker and non-smoker. Every year, over 46,000 people are diagnosed with lung cancer. It is the third most common cancer in the UK.
Construction workers have a higher risk of lung cancer because of the chemicals they work with. This includes asbestos, silica, diesel fumes and radon.
It is vital that lung cancer is diagnosed as soon as possible. When lung cancer is diagnosed early, there are treatments to cure the disease.
“I was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2015. I had chemo and radiotherapy therapy to shrink the tumours in my lungs. I then had surgery to remove them and now I’m cancer free.” Paul Nicholson, tower crane driver.
It is very important that everyone knows the signs and symptoms of lung cancer.
Lung cancer signs and symptoms
- A cough that lasts for three weeks or more
- Breathlessness
- Tiredness
- Weight loss
- Repeat chest infections
- A cough that changes or gets worse
- Coughing up blood
- Chest pain
- Wheezing
- Hoarseness
- Back and/or shoulder pain
- Clubbed fingers
If you have any of these symptoms, you must contact your GP. When you see your GP, make sure you explain all your symptoms and tell them that you work, or worked, in construction.
Support for people with lung cancer
Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation is the UK’s only charity solely dedicated to supporting everyone with lung cancer. The charity is named after the late entertainer, Roy Castle.
The charity offers help and support to people with lung cancer. It has lots of information about treatments for lung cancer and how to manage symptoms. It has a helpline where you can speak to a lung cancer nurse. It also offers financial grants for those who need it.
For more information about lung cancer and its signs and symptoms, visit Roycastle or call the helpline on 0800 358 7200.
