Drive to raise awareness of lung cancer (From Worcester News)

Drive to raise awareness of lung cancer

1:10am Friday 12th March 2010 in

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HEALTH bosses hope new research will prevent more people dying of lung cancer in Worcestershire.

NHS Worcestershire is carrying out research with people living in Worcester city as part of a new initiative to raise awareness of the symptoms of lung cancer.

Lung cancer is the fifth most common cancer in Worcestershire, with just under 190 new cases on average diagnosed each year.

It is also the leading cause of deaths from cancer in men and the second most common cause of cancer deaths (after breast cancer) in women.

The research will explore how knowledgeable people are about the signs of lung cancer and the reasons why they might not go to a doctor sooner.

It will also examine how people’s lifestyles may be putting them at greater risk.

Lung cancer is more prevalent in urban areas, and the work will focus on communities in the urban parts of the city where lung cancer tends to be more common. However the learning from the research will have a benefit across the county.

Stuart Bourne, assistant director of public health at NHS Worcestershire, said: “Fewer than one in ten people diagnosed with lung cancer in Worcestershire will still be alive five years after diagnosis, and late presentation may be a major factor in this.

“We need to understand why people aren’t seeking help from their doctor at the first sign of symptoms, and what we can do to change this.”

The research will include interviews with people who have had lung cancer to understand their experiences of the disease, as well as group discussions with members of the public to explore general levels of knowledge about the condition. All responses will be treated confidentially.

The views of health care professionals and community organisations are also being sought.

Mr Bourne said: “It’s important that we talk to an appropriate sample of the local community to build up a complete picture. If someone is approached to take part in the research, I’d encourage them to participate. Their views are important to us, and may help save lives in the future.”