Lorely Listens: Fear is the great Barrier

Written by Lorely Burt and published in Solihull Times on Wed 15th Nov 2006

I met three angels last week. They looked mortal, but I was assured by the patients and carers of the Lung Cancer Support Group that they were real angels because the amazing care and help they gave to patients and their loved ones.

November is Lung Cancer awareness month. We have all been 'wearing it pink' to support breast cancer, but clearly lung cancer is still a big killer of men and women and it should have our support too.

These days lung cancer can be treated very effectively, once it has been diagnosed. Both diagnosis techniques and treatments have really come on apace over the last five years.

If you remember my Ovarian Cancer campaign, the main problem is to get the diagnosis, and often by the time a patient knows what she has it's too late to save her. The same is NOT true of lung cancer: a simple X-Ray can give a good indication of the problem and things then move very quickly.

Fear is a great barrier to people coming forward who are worried they may have cancer. One patient said he felt less afraid after being diagnosed because at least he knew what he was up against. With his wife at his side he's still here to tell the tale.

And from the moment your doctor suspects the possibility of cancer you have the fantastic specialist nurse support team. Also the patient's and carers' support group meet regularly: they've all been there, got the tea shirt and can answer your questions with the knowledge that only someone who has been through it themselves can give.

So if you or someone you know has a persistent cough and shortness of breath, especially if they cough up blood, get yourself or them to the doctor's straight away. The earlier a cancer is diagnosed the more effective and easier it is to treat. It may well not be cancer, but at least you will know and there are angels in Solihull Hospital waiting to help you through. (You can also dial-an-angel on the support line: 0121 424 1433.)

Lorely Burt MP

Solihull