LUNG CANCER
INFORMATION ON LUNG CANCER
LUNG CANCER SUPPORT GROUPS
LUNG CANCER LIFE STORIES
Information on Lung Cancer
Reduce Your Risk Of Lung Cancer
Research shows that smoking causes more than 60% of lung cancer cases in the UK
Here we explore some things that cause lung cancer and how you can do to reduce your risk
Causes Of Lung Cancer
- Smoking – smoking tobacco yourself, or breathing in second-hand smoke significantly increases your risk. If you smoke heavily and for longer periods, your risk increases, but even light or occasional smoking increases your risk.
- Chemicals and workplace risks – some substances that people can be exposed to through their work can cause cancer. These include asbestos, silica, and diesel exhaust. People who work in construction (particularly older buildings), glass making, brick laying, car mechanics and professional drivers may have an increased risk.
- Air pollution and radon gas – air pollution causes around 8% of lung cancer cases in the UK. Radon gas, a naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes from tiny amounts of uranium present in all rocks and soils, can build up in homes and other buildings. The highest levels are in South West England but higher than average levels may be found in many other parts of the UK. The risk increases if you smoke, so it’s even more important to stop smoking if you live in a high radon area.
- Family history – your risk of lung cancer is higher if you have a close relative such as a parent or sibling who has had lung cancer.
- Lung diseases – some pre-existing lung diseases such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) or Tuberculosis (TB) can increase your risk of lung cancer.
Reduce Your Risk
- Stop Smoking – Stopping smoking is one of the best things you can do to reduce your risk of lung cancer and to improve your health in general.
- Wear PPE – use appropriate personal protective equipment such as face masks and respirators to protect you from inhaling harmful substances
- Healthy Lifestyle – adopting a healthy lifestyle by eating more fruit and vegetables, keeping a healthy weight and keeping active can all help to reduce your risk of lung cancer.
- Screening – If you are aged between 55 and 74 and have been a smoker, you may be invited for targeted lung cancer screening. Attending screening can catch lung cancer at the early stages, before syptoms have developed when there’s a better chance of a cure.
Lung cancer screening
A targeted lung cancer screening programme is currently being developed. In our area two Lung Cancer Screening projects are currently live – North Kirklees and Bradford District and Craven. Programme expansion will be progressed up to 2027 within Calderdale and Kirklees, Wakefield, Harrogate, and Leeds. It is expected to be available throughout the UK by 2029.
Lung cancer screening will be offered to smokers and ex-smokers between the ages of 55 and 74 who are registered with a GP in the UK. If you are eligible, you will receive a letter from your GP inviting you to make an appointment.
Lung cancer causes more deaths than any other cancer in the UK. There are often no signs or symptoms of lung cancer at an early stage. Lung cancer screening aims to find lung cancer early, sometimes before you have symptoms.
The lung health check looks at how well your lungs are working and can help diagnose lung cancer as early as possible. Early diagnosis can make lung cancer more treatable and make treatment more successful.
Find out what is happening local to you by clicking the relevant button below.
Lung Cancer Charities
Charities are a great resource to help support you or your loved ones on your cancer journey. They can offer information and support in a variety of ways, practical, physical, emotional and financial. Some offer helplines, with access to medically-trained staff, and others fund research into finding a cure or better treatment for cancer. Please see below some charities that offer help.
The Ruth Strauss Foundation
In early 2018, Ruth Strauss, the late wife of Sir Andrew Strauss, the former England cricket captain, was diagnosed with an incurable lung cancer that affects non-smokers. Ruth died on 29 December 2018; she was 46 years old and mother to two children, then aged 10 and...
Research ALKay+ve
What is ALK+ Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a relatively common form of lung cancer. Around 5% of people diagnosed with NSCLC have a rearrangement of the EML4 and ALK (anaplastic lymphoma kinase) genes located in their DNA. The fusion of these two genes creates...
Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation
The Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation’s mission is “to defeat lung cancer” and this strategy outlines our five year plan in working towards achieving this Telephone: 0333 323 7200 Website: https://www.roycastle.org/ Address: Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, Cotton...
British Lung Foundation
We’re the only UK charity looking after the nation’s lungs. With your support, we’ll make sure that one day everyone breathes clean air with healthy lungs. Telephone: 03000 030 555 Website: https://www.blf.org.uk/ Address: 73-75 Goswell Road London EC1V 7ER
Other Useful Resources For Lung Cancer
Click on the logos below to learn more
Find a support group for Lung Cancer
It can be really useful to speak to other people who know how you are feeling because they have been there too. Speaking to those who have a lived experience of cancer can be a great source of comfort. Many support groups also invite speakers or have medical staff in attendance, so can be a great resource to help you on your cancer journey. Here are some local support groups you may be interested in.
Harrogate Lung Cancer
Harrogate Fire Station, Skipton Road Harrogate, HG1 4LE
Tel: Ric Myers 07917 300020
Email: ricmyers@outlook.com
If you are a lung cancer patient undergoing treatment, in remission, or a carer sharing someone’s cancer journey, this group is for you.
Lung Cancer Support Group at Wakefield Hospice
Wakefield Hospice, Aberford Road Wakefield, WF1 4TS
Tel: 01924 543818
Email: midyorks.lungcancerspecialistnurses@nhs.net
This support group meets on the last Friday of the month from 1.00 – 2.30pm.
Lung Cancer Support Online
Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation is the leading UK lung cancer charity dedicated to helping everyone affected by the disease.
Since 1990, when the charity was set up by Professor Ray Donnelly, we have funded millions of pounds of essential lung cancer research, looking for ways to detect the disease as early as possible and save lives.
We support everyone affected by lung cancer – from diagnosis, through treatment, living with the disease and end of life care. We raise awareness and challenge the misconceptions of lung cancer. We do all this so those diagnosed can live well with lung cancer for as long as possible.
Lung Cancer Life Stories
Cancer Journeys – Natasha Loveridge – lung cancer
Natasha Loveridge talks about her journey with Lung Cancer and the stigma surrounding the disease in non smoking females. Jacqui is also trying to raise £1,000,000 for the Bexley Cancer Centre in Leeds, please support her efforts.
Ric’s story – lung cancer
Retired welding engineer Ric Myers from Leeds is passionate about raising awareness of lung cancer. Ric, who is a Champion with the Cancer SMART initiative which we run in partnership with the West Yorkshire & Harrogate Cancer Alliance, was keen to be interviewed...
Cancer Journeys – Caroline O’ Toole
Jacqui Drake talks to people who have had cancer or their loved ones and shares their experiences of this terrible disease. In this episode Jacqui talks to Caroline O' Toole about a fungal growth in her lung was thought to be cancer. Jacqui's goal and legacy is to...
S1 Ep 5 – Now That The Smoke Has Cleared
Ric Myers talks about his journey with Lung Cancer.
Cancer Journeys – Paul Bell
Jacqui Drake talks to people who have had cancer or their loved ones and shares their experiences of this terrible disease. In this episode Jacqui talks to Paul Bell about partner Graham's batthe with Lung Cancer. Jacqui's goal and legacy is to raise £1,000,000 for...
Cancer Journeys – Susan Wayne
Jacqui Drake talks to people who have had cancer or their loved ones and shares their experiences of this terrible disease. In this episode Jacqui talks to Susan Waine about her battle with Kidney and secondary Lung and Pancreatic Cancers. Jacqui's goal and legacy is...