Raising awareness of Lung Cancer symptoms in Walsall

Around 160 men and women in Walsall are diagnosed with lung cancer each year and Macmillan specialist staff will be hosting an information stand at the Manor Hospital tomorrow (Friday 1 November) to raise awareness of the condition’s early signs and symptoms.

Lung Cancer Awareness Month runs throughout November and focuses on the importance of early detection as well as encouraging people to take potential symptoms seriously and seek help quickly.

Jayne Powell, Macmillan Lung Clinical Nurse Specialist, and Jamie Paskin, Macmillan Lung Cancer Support Worker, at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust will be joined by members of the local Lung Cancer Support Group in the main atrium of the hospital between 11am and 3pm.

They said: “We want to raise awareness of the early signs and symptoms of this condition as if people know what to look out for they can seek help quickly. Early detection makes a significant impact on the chances of a more positive outcome.

“Tomorrow’s stand will give people the opportunity to meet and talk to our lung cancer nursing team and we’re having a cake sale and tombola to raise money for the support group, Macmillan and the trust’s Well Wishers charity.”

Do you know the signs and symptoms of lung cancer? These can be:

* A cough that has lasted for three weeks or more

* Repeated chest infections

* Coughing up blood

* Breathlessness

* Feeling more tired than usual for no obvious reason

* Losing weight for no obvious reason

* An ache or pain in your chest or shoulder that has lasted some time