Many Irish people appear to have a lack of awareness about the dangers of lung cancer, new research suggests.

According to a survey of over 1,000 adults, which was launched by the Irish Cancer Society (ICS), just over half of people are unaware that lung cancer is Ireland's biggest cancer killer, while one-third of people with three or more symptoms of the disease are unconcerned about being diagnosed with it.

Furthermore, three in four adults have never had a conversation with their doctor or pharmacist about the disease.

Around 2,300 people are diagnosed with lung cancer in Ireland every year. The ICS noted that while the incidence of the disease is falling in men by 1% each year, it is increasing in women by 2% per year and is now the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in women, after breast cancer.

The survey found that just over half of people felt that there were obstacles to attending their doctor about their lung health, including fear (22%), cost (17%) and believing that it was not serious enough (19%).

Just over one in five adults and one in three smokers admitted that they would not attend their doctor about their lung health as they would be afraid of what they could be told.

The ICS pointed out that the majority of lung cancer patients are diagnosed at a later stage and this may leave them with fewer treatment options. Between 2004 and 2008, almost two-thirds of cases were already at an advanced stage (grade three or four) by the time of diagnosis.

Commenting on the findings, ICS cancer prevention manager, Kevin O'Hagan, insisted that lung health ‘needs to be taken seriously'.

"We need Irish people to start talking about it and to consider it important enough to take action. Lung cancer can be treated once it is diagnosed at an early stage but unfortunately too many people don't go to their doctor at a time when it would be most beneficial for them.

"We need doctors and pharmacists to keep lung cancer front of mind and to encourage their patients to maintain good lung health. When it comes to lung cancer, awareness and early detection are key to survival," he commented.

The research was launched to coincide with the ICS's Lung Cancer Awareness Campaign. As part of this, people can access an Online Lung Health Checker to find out if their lungs are in a healthy condition. Click here to access it.

"We are inviting members of the public to take our Online Lung Health Checker, which is available on our website, and to encourage friends and family to do the same. This will help you consider your lung health and to examine symptoms you may be experiencing. We want Irish people to take action and this is a simple way to do so," Mr O'Hagan said.

The ICS is also urging people to become familiar with the signs and symptoms of lung cancer and to act quickly should they have any. All patients can be fast tracked to early diagnosis and treatment via the Lung Cancer Rapid Access Clinics, which are in operation in the country's eight designated cancer centres.

Signs and symptoms can include a cough that is not going away, shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing up blood-stained phlegm (sputum), unexplained weight loss, a hoarse voice and problems swallowing.

If you have any concerns about lung cancer, or any other type of cancer, you can also call the ICS's national helpline on 1800 200 700.