Lung cancer is the most prevalent cancer in the world. Around 1.8 million people are diagnosed with lung cancer per year, with around 1.6 million dying as a result. In the UK, latest figures show around 44,000 new cases are diagnosed each year and with nearly 36,000 deaths annually.
A multi-national survey[i] has found that a quarter (25%) of Brits feel less sympathy for those diagnosed with lung cancer, as opposed to other cancers, due to the associated risks and causes such as smoking.

Yet, one in every seven people in the UK diagnosed with lung cancer doesn’t, or has never, smoked. This Lung Cancer Awareness Month (November), Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation are launching their ‘#HeadHigh’ campaign to tackle stigma associated with lung cancer. TV presenter, Roy Castle, himself died of lung cancer despite not being a smoker.

The survey also found that Brits could only name, on average, two symptoms associated with lung cancer. In total, 41% of those asked worldwide couldn’t name any symptoms of lung cancer whatsoever. Also, men are less sympathetic than women and similarly, younger people less sympathetic than older.

Emilee interviews Lorraine Dallas on behalf of PatientTalk.Org