Irish women have one of the highest lung cancer incidence and mortality rates in Europe, the Irish Cancer Society (ICS) has warned.

According to the society, ‘significantly more Irish women are dying from lung cancer than in other European countries'.

"We are concerned that lung cancer mortality rates in Irish females are substantially higher than the EU average. We are attributing this to the high rates of smoking among Irish women. As 90% of lung cancer is attributed to smoking, giving up smoking is the single most important thing any smoker can do to reduce their risk of cancer," commented the ICS's health promotion manager, Kevin O'Hagan.

Figures from the National Cancer Registry of Ireland (NCRI) show that lung cancer is Ireland's fourth most common cancer, with over 2,000 new cases per year. However, it was by far the most common cause of cancer death between 2010 and 2012, with around 1,800 deaths annually during this period.

The figures also reveal that while the incidence of lung cancer declined in males by around 1% per year between 1994 and 2012, it increased in females during the same period by around 2% per year.

The death rate also fell among men during this period by around 2% per year, but rose in women by 0.5% per year. These differences have again been largely put down to smoking.

The ICS is appealing to members of the public to get to know the signs and symptoms of lung cancer. With early detection, patients have more treatment options open to them and a better chance of survival. However, many patients only present to their doctors when the disease is already at an advanced stage.

"All patients can now be fast tracked to early diagnosis and treatment through the Lung Cancer Rapid Access Clinics, which are in operation in all eight of the designated cancer centres nationwide. This has resulted in a steady improvement in lung cancer survival from 10% to 15% over the last 15 years," the ICS noted.

Signs and symptoms of lung cancer include:
-A cough that will not go away or a change in a long-term cough
-Shortness of breath or wheezing
-Repeated chest infections that do not go away even after treatment with antibiotics
-Coughing up blood-stained phlegm
-Pain in the chest particularly when you breathe in or cough
-Feeling more tired than usual
-Unexplained weight loss
-Hoarse voice
-Problems swallowing or swelling in the face or neck.

Anyone with concerns about lung cancer can contact the ICS's National Cancer Helpline on 1800 200 700. Calls are free of charge. Meanwhile, smokers hoping to quit the habit can call the HSE's Quit Team on 1800 201 203 or click here for advice.