Don’t get caught out by lung cancer
A new campaign warns that a persistent cough might not be Covid-19...
SHE’S best- known for her powerful set of lungs that landed her in the X Factor live finals. Now Mary Byrne wants to remind people to look after theirs as part of a new Irish Cancer Society campaign.
Lung cancer referrals fell 27% between March and August this year due to Covid-19, and the charity says symptom confusion and fear of accessing healthcare could have stopped up to 244 patients with suspected lung cancer symptoms from seeking medical advice during pandemic.
With the help of Mary Byrne, the charity launched Your Cough Could Be Masking Something Else in an effort to get more people to contact their GPs if they find themselves with any symptoms of lung disease.
Mary lost three close family members to the disease and is urging people not to ignore the signs.
Kevin O’Hagan, cancer prevention manager of the Irish Cancer Society, says any persistent cough should be checked out.
‘The pandemic has made us all aware of coughing as it could be a symptom of Covid-19,’ he says. ‘However, it is important to remember that a persistent cough is also a symptom of lung cancer; like Covid-19, it is important to get it checked out straight away, irrespective of your age or existing health conditions. Early detection of lung cancer is vital and allows for greater treatment options and a real chance of a cure.’
L UNG cancer accounts for 19 per cent of all cancer deaths in women and 23 per cent of deaths in men. Around 70 per cent of people are not diagnosed until they have either stage three or stage four lung cancer. More than 2,500 men and women in Ireland receive a lung cancer diagnosis annually, and it claims more than 1,800 lives every year, a shocking statistic for a cancer that is largely preventable.
Mary Byrne lost her brother-inlaw, Liam, and two sisters-in-law, Geraldine and Kathleen, to lung cancer and is urging people with symptoms to contact their GP.
‘If you have anything you feel is not right, you need to contact your GP. I was afraid of going to the doctor at the start of lockdown because of Covid but it is vital that you do.
‘I had a bad time with depression just before lockdown and I didn’t go to the doctor initially . But it saved my life - going to the doctor and getting myself seen to. I know some people who are afraid and others who don’t want to be wasting the doctor’s time but I would ask people to contact the GP if they have any symptoms of lung cancer because it is important. Covid is dangerous but cancer is dangerous too.
‘This campaign is very close to my heart as three of my close family members passed away from lung cancer in the last nine years.
‘There is no doubt in my mind that if my brother-in-law Liam had gone to the doctor sooner, he would be here today.
‘I think they would have had a better chance as there has been so much progress with regards to lung cancer treatment that the best change you have is catching it early.
‘I’m 61 this year and I hope to be around until I’m at least in my 80s for my daughter and for myself. I’ve lost six and a half stone and quit smoking and the motivation for this is all down to losing family members so young.
‘I’m at a stage where I need to look after me. If I feel something is wrong, I will contact my GP. Even though Covid-19 is here and that makes me nervous, my GP has told me ‘you contact me no matter what way you feel’, so I do. It’s not just you this affects, it’s your whole family.’
Mary quit smoking eight years ago.
‘I just wanted to give myself a better chance and I do not regret it. Yes it was hard but it is the best thing I ever did. But people who don’t smoke can get lung cancer too.
‘So you need to know the symptoms and you need to get any persistent cough checked out. Your lungs matter and a persistent cough could be masking something else.’
Since the Covid-19 pandemic began, GP referrals to lung cancer rapid access clinics are down by 27 per cent, a matter of grave concern according to the Irish Cancer Society. Dr Una Kennedy, a GP and advisor with the National Cancer Control Programme, says she understands that there is anxiety surrounding GP visits and Covid-19.
‘I want to reassure patients who have any new symptoms, particularly those with a persistent cough, that it is important to contact your doctor as soon as possible,’ she says.
‘I’d also like to reassure the public that lung cancer services are also open and safe to use. Remember, early detection of lung cancer is crucial and leads to improved treatment options and outcomes so please, don’t delay in contacting your GP if you’re worried that you or a loved one may be experiencing symptoms.’
The Irish Cancer Society, whose campaign is supported by AstraZeneca and Bristol Myers Squibb, is encouraging the public to get to know the signs and symptoms of lung cancer and to contact their GP if they are worried.
Visit cancer.ie/lung/checker to do a free online lung health check or contact the Cancer Support Line on Freephone 1800 200 700.