A free 'cough checker' phone line to encourage people to ensure their health and catch out lung cancer has been launched in Ireland.
Lung cancer symptoms may be hiding behind COVID-19 and flu this coughing season, which could lead to further cases of late-stage diagnosis, according to the Marie Keating Foundation.
Lung cancer is Ireland’s biggest cancer killer, despite being largely preventable and treatable, because it is often diagnosed at a late stage.
The free phone-line, 1800-COUGHS (1800-268447), will allow callers to hear advice from a GP on any suspicious cough they may have and includes advice on Covid-19, flu and lung cancer.
Common symptoms of lung cancer include:
- A persistent cough (longer than 3 weeks)
- A sudden change in a cough that you have had for a long time
- Unexplained weight loss
- Breathlessness
- Chest pain or shoulder that is unexplained
- Coughing up blood-stained phlegm.
Maia Dunphy, broadcaster and author, said: “One in two of us will experience cancer personally at some stage, which is a difficult thing to imagine, even though it is a reality for so many. My own Mum was diagnosed with cancer 20 years ago and we are very thankful that she is well today.
"By checking up on each other, and talking about our health, we can get more people to think about the early signs of lung cancer and get a worrying cough checked. Covid-19 has taken so much from us already, don’t let it hide the signs of a lung cancer cough.”
Dr Una Kennedy, GP Advisor with the NCCP said: “We want everyone to understand how important it is to speak to a GP if concerned about a constant cough, appetite loss, unexplained weight loss or you find you are easily breathless or really tired, and to have the confidence to get checked.
"We know people are cocooning or isolating from others at the moment, so they may be unsure about contacting their GP. However, routine health care is still being provided by GPs during the pandemic. GPs are here to help and no matter what type of cough it is, the earlier it is diagnosed the better the outcome.”
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