Our lungs are one of the most important parts of our bodies as they allow us to breathe and provide oxygen to our brain and the rest of our body. If our lungs are damaged, they become less efficient at supplying oxygen to the blood and removing carbon dioxide.
1 in 3 Australians are impacted by lung cancer and it is Australia’s biggest cancer killer.
Your chances of surviving are 4 times higher if diagnosed early.
Early warning signs to look for:
- A new, persistent or changed cough
- Breathlessness
- Fatigue
- Other symptoms include: chest pain or tightness, wheezing, coughing up blood, frequent chest infections or sudden weight loss
Risk factors
These can increase your risk of developing lung cancer.
- Older age
- History of smoking
- Family history of lung disease
- Current or previous work exposure to dust, fumes or chemicals
How to look after your lungs:
Taking care of our lungs is an important step in preventing damage to our lungs.
- Avoid smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke.
- Wear protective gear such as masks if you are exposed to dust, fumes or gases at work.
- Get the vaccination against influenza and pneumonia.
- Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy diet.
- Minimise the spread of germs that could cause lung diseases by performing adequate hand hygiene.
If you’re experiencing a persistent cough for more than 3 weeks or you have a combination of symptoms, visit your GP for a lung cancer assessment.
Find more of our health tips here.
Make a booking with us here or call 9651 5559.
Sources:
Lung Foundation Australia. 2021. Lung health checklist. https://lungfoundation.com.au/lung-health/checklist/?fbclid=IwAR03PMI-chA_Orl0huP2ZcyosfT8kxEKwG-dD0hogOTX_8p3YMKfks_eZBA
Lung Foundation Australia. 2021. What is lung disease? https://lungfoundation.com.au/lung-health/lung-disease/what-is-lung-disease/
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