Spot Lung Cancer Early CampaignSpot Lung Cancer Early Campaign
On this page you'll find
Cancer Research UK, the Public Health Agency and the NI Cancer Programme (Legacy NICaN) have joined together to support more people to spot lung cancer early.
Not from Northern Ireland? Find further information for all UK nations on the causes of cancer and spotting cancer early
Talk to your GP, not yourself
Anyone can develop cancer, but it’s more common as we get older. Most cancer cases of lung cancer diagnosed in Northern Ireland are in people aged 50 and over.
But if something doesn’t feel quite right, no matter who you are, what your age is, or what you think is causing your symptoms, your doctor wants to hear from you.
Don’t put unusual changes down to ‘just’ getting older or another condition you may have. If something’s unusual for you – don’t ignore it, contact your GP practice.
Finding cancer early saves lives.
Lung cancer symptoms
When it comes to spotting cancer, the best thing you can do is listen to your body. Don’t ignore changes that are unusual for you.
Some key signs of lung cancer include:
- Feeling short of breath or having difficulty breathing
- A cough that won’t go away
- Losing weight without trying to
Whatever the change, if it’s not normal for you, speak to your doctor. In most cases, it won’t be cancer. But if it is, finding it early can make a real difference
Getting a GP appointment
We know it can sometimes feel difficult getting an appointment, but it’s important you keep trying. Your GP practice will do everything they can to speak to you as soon as possible. And may also be able to suggest a suitable health professional who can help you sooner than your GP.
How to Register with a GP
Live in Northern Ireland? Make sure you have registered with a local GP.
You’ll be able to make appointments more easily and it means you will automatically receive invitations to cancer screening - a key early detection method for people with no symptoms - when you become eligible.
Jennifer shares her lung cancer story with us
“Three years after I got the all clear, I got married. I just realised that life is too short, and I’d been given a second chance.”
If you've noticed a change that's unusual for you, your doctor wants to hear from you. In most cases it won’t be lung cancer – but if it is, detecting it at an early stage can make a real difference. Finding cancer early saves lives.
Want to hear more about people’s cancer experiences?