Anyone can get lung cancer. — © ING Image
Sittard
Silke van Dielen
November is ‘lung cancer month’. In this month, patient organization Lung Cancer Netherlands asks for extra attention for this disease.
“Lung cancer is often discovered late, while it is so important to catch it early. That is why we want to make people aware of the symptoms of lung cancer. Because anyone with lungs can get lung cancer. Screening and early detection of the disease are essential,” said Lidia Barberio, director of Lung Cancer Netherlands.
Read more: Screening the entire population for all types of cancer: do we really want that?
Every year, nearly 14,000 people are diagnosed with lung cancer. Often the disease is already in an advanced stage, because only then complaints arise. This makes lung cancer the form of cancer that kills most people in the Netherlands: 10,000 per year. It is therefore very important to be alert to complaints. The advice of Lung Cancer Netherlands is to make an appointment with the GP if someone has been coughing for more than nine weeks, coughing up blood, remains short of breath, is persistently tired and/or loses a lot of weight unexpectedly. “The sooner you catch it, the greater the chance of a longer quality life,” says Lidia Barberio.
Read more: Limburg is not yet up to the lung cancer population screening, but you may be able to go to Germany
The white ribbon is a symbol of awareness for lung cancer. Throughout November, this symbol is central to the campaign ‘Everyone with lungs can get lung cancer’. Ambassadors have their picture taken during lung cancer month with a white knitted scarf that is folded like the white ribbon. “We call on everyone to post a photo of themselves with a white scarf on social media in November to show that they contribute to raising awareness of this disease. And of course to show solidarity with patients.”
For more information, visit lungkankernederland.nl/herkenlongkanker.