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Nwicker60
26-Nov-11, 08:50
Get those early symptoms checked!

A Highland man who has received treatment for lung cancer is urging other people to consult their GP if they have any of the symptoms of the condition.
November 2011 is Lung Cancer Awareness Month and David Atkinson, 57, of Inverness, has decided to tell his story in the hope it will encourage others to seek help at the earliest opportunity.
He also hopes it will help people to realise that a lung cancer diagnosis does not necessarily mean a dramatic change to their life.
Symptoms that need to be checked by a GP include coughing up blood, a cough that lasts for more than three weeks, worsening or change of a long-standing cough, persistent chest infections, hoarseness of voice, persistent chest pain and/or shoulder pain. Other symptoms which should be reported include unexplained persistent breathlessness, tiredness, lack of energy or weight loss.
There are many possible causes of these symptoms. However, they may mean something is wrong, so it is always worth seeking medical advice.
Mr Atkinson first consulted his GP about shortness of breath and a persistent cough in early September of last year.
He was diagnosed with lung cancer in the same month and had one of his lungs removed at a hospital in Edinburgh in December 2010. He then underwent a course of chemotherapy at Raigmore Hospital.
He is now back at work full-time and goes to the gym regularly. He has also been able to return to his hobby of hill-walking and completed a 28-mile charity walk along the South Loch Ness Trail in September of this year to mark the first anniversary of his lung cancer diagnosis.
The walk raised more than £2,000 for Maggie’s Centre at Raigmore Hospital and a local church. And Mr Atkinson believes keeping active has helped in his recovery.
He is now keen to encourage anyone with any of the above symptoms to seek medical advice at the earliest opportunity.
Mr Atkinson said: “It’s important that people become more aware of lung cancer symptoms, so they go and see their GP early.
“I’m worried that people with these symptoms may delay seeing their GP because many think that lung cancer diagnosis always leads to a bleak outcome. My marathon walk and return to full time employment are proof that this is not the case.
“The sooner people go to their GP, the better the outcome.”
Lydia Morrison, Lung Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist, explained that lung cancer is the most common cancer in the world. In 2009, 4,989 people in Scotland were diagnosed with the condition, 276 of whom were from Highland and Argyll and Bute.
She said: “Although lung cancer mainly affects people over 65, it can also affect younger people. About 90% of people with lung cancer are smokers or ex-smokers. However, about 10% have never smoked. As with most cancers, lung cancer can be cured if found before it has spread to other areas.”
Ms Morrison explained that when patients visit their doctor with symptoms that could be lung cancer, the GP may refer the person for a chest X-ray and to be seen by a chest specialist. However, about 50% of people seen by the chest specialist turn out not to have cancer.
She said: “If cancer is detected, further tests may be done and treatment usually starts within a few weeks. The lung cancer team involves several specialists who work together, and with the patient, to decide on the best treatment options for that individual.
Ms Morrison continued: “Aims of treatments include removing or reducing the cancer and reducing symptoms to give the best possible quality of life. The earlier the cancer is diagnosed, the sooner the treatment can start.”
Susan Sutherland, Macmillan Development Manager for North Scotland, said: “Being aware of the symptoms of lung cancer is vital for ensuring diagnosis at an early stage when curative treatment may be possible. It’s so important that people listen to David’s advice – particularly those that smoke – and see their doctor promptly if they experience any of the symptoms mentioned.”