BRADFORD has almost twice the national average of lung cancer cases and one of the highest smoking rates in the country, according to a report by Yorkshire Cancer Research.

New research from the charity has revealed that more people in Yorkshire get lung cancer than any other type of cancer and that incidence rates are higher in Bradford at around 135 people per 100,000, compared to 78 nationally.

As more people in Yorkshire die from lung cancer than any other type of cancer, Yorkshire Cancer Research is on a mission to help people avoid, survive and cope with cancer by being aware of the symptoms, taking action early, understanding the impact that their lifestyle choices have and funding vital research.

Dr Kathryn Scott, interim chief executive officer of Yorkshire Cancer Research, said: “One in 15 people in the UK are at risk of developing lung cancer in their lifetime and, statistically, Yorkshire has a much higher incidence rate than much of the country.

“The stark reality of how prevalent lung cancer is in the region is shocking but, with around 89 per cent of lung cancers preventable, we can work together to reduce this.”

According to the charity, as four in five lung cancers are caused by smoking, making the decision to quit can make a real difference to lung cancer outcomes across the region.

Quitting smoking can have an instant impact. After 20 minutes of abstaining from smoking, the body’s blood pressure and pulse rate return to normal; after 48 hours there is no nicotine remaining in the body and the ability to taste and smell is greatly improved.

After three to nine months coughs, wheezing and breathing problems improve significantly, as lung function is increased by up to 10 per cent, and after 10 years the risk of lung cancer falls to half that of a smoker.

As the charity launches its campaign #reducetherisk, it lists symptoms to look out for:

  • A cough that doesn’t go away after two or three weeks;
  • A long standing cough that gets worse;
  • Frequent chest infections;
  • Coughing up blood;
  • An ache or pain when breathing or coughing;
  • Persistent breathlessness;
  • Lack of energy;
  • Loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss.