A Co Tyrone granddad, has backed a major campaign by Cancer Research UK after he was diagnosed with lung cancer.
“But the person I want to thank most is Una, my wife of 35 years, who has been my rock. She was by my side throughout, attending every appointment every day for six weeks. "I was in a state of shock. If Una had not been there, I probably would not have heard a word as I was in complete daze. It was a very quiet drive home but the speed of treatment helped take my mind off it."
The charity and its campaign partners are taking action because, although lung cancer is the second most common cancer in Northern Ireland, many people aren’t aware of the symptoms. This may be one of the reasons the disease is frequently diagnosed at a late stage, when it’s much harder to treat. Despite GP surgeries being very busy, Cancer Research UK is urging people not to delay contacting their doctor. They say while it can feel difficult to get an appointment, it’s important to keep trying.
"Unusual changes in your health such as breathlessness or a cough that won’t go away, could be signs of lung cancer. If you’ve noticed any of these changes, your GP wants to hear from you.