Bluebird Care Havering supports Lung Cancer Awareness Month 2019

Published: 13/11/2019

Award-winning Bluebird Care Havering is supporting Lung Cancer Awareness Month, which aims to increase awareness of lung cancer.

Award-winning Bluebird Care Havering is supporting Lung Cancer Awareness Month; an initiative by the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation which aims to increase awareness of lung cancer and raise funds to help the fight against lung cancer.

Lung cancer is the UK’s biggest cancer killer, with around 47,000 people diagnosed each year. According to the NHS, after diagnosis, 1 in 3 people with lung cancer live for about 1 year and 1 in 20 people live for at least 10 years. The condition claims roughly 35,000 lives every year.

Unfortunately, lung cancer does not show noticeable symptoms until it’s spread throughout the lungs or body. Eventually the following symptoms will appear:

  • A persistent cough
  • Hoarseness
  • Coughing up blood or rust-coloured phlegm
  • Persistent breathlessness
  • Loss of appetite and weight loss
  • Fatigue
  • Ache/pain whilst coughing
  • Wheezing
  • Reoccurring/constant chest infections

If you recognise these symptoms, it is important to see your doctor immediately for treatment. Early diagnosis is essential and could save lives.

Smoking accounts for about 72% of lung cancer cases as the individual is regularly inhaling many different toxic substances. However, the condition can occur in people who have never smoked before. Lung cancer affects mainly older people. In the UK, 4 out of 10 people diagnosed are aged 75 years or older.  

The NHS recommends eating a low-fat, high-fibre, plenty of wholegrains and diet with 5 portions of fruits and vegetables a day can reduce the likelihood of developing lung cancer. As well as stopping smoking as soon as possible.  

Alvin Osei-Tutu, Director of Bluebird Care Havering, commented:

“This November let’s fundraise and support those living with lung cancer. There are many ways that we could do our bit and raise funds for lung cancer research such as a fun run or a cake sale. For more ideas, look on the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation website.  

As lung cancer tends to affect mainly older people, our staff at Bluebird Care are trained to look out for any symptoms affecting our customers. It is vital to recognise early symptoms as well as looking after our customer’s diet and lifestyle. Bluebird Care Havering is fully supporting Lung Care Awareness Month.”

To find more about Lung Cancer Awareness Month, visit: www.roycastle.org/events/lung-cancer-awareness-month/

Bluebird Care is a national provider of care in the home, specialising in working with customers who live with dementia, physical disabilities and many other acute and chronic conditions. Bluebird Care work alongside their customers’ families, social services and the NHS to ensure each person receives the care they need.

Bluebird Care offers a unique service of tailored care visits which range from anything from 30 minutes to full live-in support. As well as personal care they also help with meal preparation, welfare checks, shopping, social trips, visits to the hospital and provide extra support for post-discharge customers.

For more details contact Bluebird Care by calling 01708 372842, emailing havering@bluebirdcare.co.uk, or visiting their website http://www.bluebirdcare.co.uk/havering/home