So as I promised, I'm gonna give you stuff you actually want to read. Today's post maybe isn't as cheery as my favourite movies or best songs at the moment. But this post is very important. I actually came up with this post after watching the One Show last night.
A section of the show highlighted Lung Cancer. Most of us know little about it. It generally affects older people however it can still affect us young folk. And you don't have to be a smoker to get it: as a smoker you are 15 times more likely than non-smokers to die from the disease, but it can and does affect non-smokers. There is little awareness of the disease even although by 2015, it is predicted to be the biggest killer of European women, more so than Breast Cancer. Some of the common symptoms:
- A cough that lasts 2-3 weeks or a cough that gets worse. If it won't go away, get an appointment. It may be an ordinary infection but the earlier lung cancer is caught, the better the survival rate so better to be safe than sorry.
- Persistent chest infections
- Coughing up blood or sputum
- Breathlessness
- Tiredness/Lethargy
- Unexplained weight loss
- Chest/Shoulder pain
Less common symptoms include Finger clubbing (the ends becoming larger or curved), Wheezing, Swelling of the face, Fever, Pain when swallowing, Difficulty swallowing and a Hoarse voice.
Cancer affects not only the patient but their family too. It's something I have personally witnessed. It can be difficult to tell your partner, children or other family members but there are many ways you can receive support. You may want to put off seeing a Doctor as you think it's nothing. Please please if you or a family member have any of these symptoms, make an appointment. It could just save your life.
For More Information on Lung Cancer:
For Further News on Cancer:
If you would like to raise or donate money for MacMillan:
Best Wishes,
Kathryn xxx
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