Around 120 people in the UK are diagnosed with lung cancer every day, but two-thirds will only be diagnosed when it is too late for a cure.
As the disease doesn’t usually cause noticeable symptoms until it has spread to other parts of the body, the outlook isn’t as good as it is for many other types of cancer.
According to Dr Neal Navani, consultant respiratory physician at The Harley Street Clinic, HCA Healthcare UK, lung cancer represents 22 per cent of total cancer deaths.
Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, accounting for around 85 per cent of cases in the UK.
However, smoking is not the only cause, so it’s important to be aware of all the associated risks.
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According to Dr Navani, people who work as bricklayers are also at an increased risk of lung cancer.
This is because bricklayers have increased exposure to silica.
Silica is a material used in the bricklaying industry and in other similar industries, such as glass making.
Exposure to silica can cause a condition called silicosis, which is known to increase the risk of lung cancer.
Silicosis is a long-term lung disease caused by inhaling large amounts of crystalline silica dust, usually over many years.
Silica is naturally found in certain types of stone, rock, sand and clay.
As well as increasing the risk of lung cancer, silicosis can lead to tuberculosis, heart failure, kidney disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Other substances which can also raise the risk of lung cancer include arsenic, asbestos and coal fumes.
“Most people affected by these find they are exposed to them through their work, where they spend prolonged periods of time around them,” said Dr Navani.
Asbestos, for example, was widely used in the construction industry in the 1960s, but was banned from use in buildings in 1999 due to the associated health risks.
“Even though it is no longer used, some construction workers may still be exposed to it when working in older buildings,” said Dr Navani.
According to the NHS, research suggests being exposed to large amounts of diesel fumes for many years may increase the risk of getting lung cancer by 50 per cent.
One study has also shown the risk rises by about a third in people who live in an area with high levels of nitrogen oxide gases, which is mostly produced by cars and other vehicles.
“Some of the risks associated with Lung cancer such as smoking and exposure to asbestos, can be avoided by making lifestyle changes to decrease this risk,” said Dr Navani.
“Unfortunately, the signs and symptoms that go alongside the associated risks can often go unnoticed, therefore it is always important to speak to a doctor if you think you may be at risk.”