Lung Cancer

What you should know about Dodgy Air Filters...

The Smoking Gun

It’s not difficult to work out what causes lung cancer. If you don’t smoke your chances of getting it are very small.

Start early, die early

The amount of tobacco you smoke moves you that bit closer to the great scrap-yard in the sky.

Filters and low tar don’t protect you

Wise up and stub it out.

So should you go for pipes and cigars?

No way, they just give you a feeling of false security. Smoking causes cancer.

Cut them down?

That doesn’t work either. You gradually creep back up.

Stop completely

All over Ireland men are getting the message. That’s why lung cancer in men is on the decrease. Why not join the quitters…

The good news about quitting

It is never too late to quit smoking. After quitting, your risk of getting a number of diseases, including lung cancer and other cancers keeps falling as long as you stay quit.

Quit plan

• 4 D’s Drink water Deep breathe Distract Yourself Delay grabbing for that smoke for 5 minutes

  List your reasons for quitting.
• Set a date to stop.
• Tell all your friends and relatives, they may support you. Mind you, some people prefer to keep it secret for a while. That’s ok too
• Get someone to quit with you. You will reinforce each other’s willpower.
• Clear the house and your pockets of any packets, papers or matches.
• Reward yourself regularly with the money you have saved
• Ask your friends not to smoke around you. People accept this far more readily than they used to
• Cravings usually last for 3-5 minutes. If you get a craving use the 4 D’s to help you get through it

Symptoms of lung cancer to watch out for:

• A cough that doesn’t go away
• A change in a long-term cough
• Feeling short of breath or wheezing
• Chest infections that won’t go away even after antibiotics
• Coughing up blood
• Pain in your chest, especially when you cough or breathe in
• Feeling more tired than usual
• Unexplained weight loss

ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE

Help on the way to Quitting

• Call the NATIONAL SMOKERS’ QUITLINE on CALLSAVE 1850 201 203. Stop smoking advisors are on hand with confidential advice and support. They will also send you a copy of the Quitting Booklet, a positive and supportive guide to quitting smoking.
• Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) can be got in a pharmacy or through your GP. Used correctly, it can be very successful in easing the cravings from nicotine. There are many types so make sure to use the right one for you. You can discuss your options with your pharmacist, GP or a Smoking Cessation Counselor on the National Smokers Quitline.
• Ask your GP for advice on other methods that may help you quit smoking.



Further Information on Lung Cancer