Poole Hospital Respiratory Team give advice during Lung Cancer Awareness Month
Pictured L-R: Abbie Leigh-Stickland, Bournemouth & Poole Stop Smoking Service; Dr Simon Crowther, Respiratory Consultant; Dr Sugamya Mallawathantri, Respiratory Consultant; Lynn Cherrett; Specialist Lung Nurse; Dr Mark Allenby, Respiratory Consultant; Jane Walsh, Stop Smoking Service
Specialist doctors and nurses from Poole Hospital offered advice about the signs and symptoms of lung cancer at a stand in the Dolphin Centre on Thursday 11 November.
Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer death in the UK, but early diagnosis can dramatically improve the chances of survival.
The team, which included consultants and specialist nurses, spent the day talking to shoppers and giving out information to encourage people to report early signs of respiratory disease to their GP as soon as possible. The NHS Bournemouth & Poole Stop Smoking team were also on hand to give advice to anyone keen to kick the habit.
Early signs of lung cancer include:
• A cough that doesn’t go away after 2-3 weeks
• Worsening of a long-standing cough
• Persistent chest infections
• Unexplained persistent breathlessness
• Unexplained persistent tiredness or lack of energy
• Unexplained persistent weight loss
• Persistent chest and/or shoulder pain
Dr Sugamya Mallawathantri, Respiratory Consultant at Poole Hospital said: “We had a very successful day in the Dolphin Centre, talking to people about reporting these symptoms as soon as possible, and giving out information. Early diagnosis greatly increases the chances of surviving lung cancer, so it is vital that people speak to their GP if they are worried about symptoms.”
November is National Lung Cancer Awareness Month. For more information, please click here
Date: 22 November 2010