Lung Cancer Awareness Month November 2025

Lung Cancer Awareness Month takes place annually throughout November.

The aim of the campaign is to encourage individuals displaying the common symptoms of lung cancer, such as a persistent cough, breathlessness or unexplained weight-loss, to visit their GP. Encouraging people to recognise these symptoms and see their doctor sooner could save lives.

Lung cancer is the third most common cancer in the UK, but it is the leading cause of cancer-related death, responsible for more than 1 in 5 cancer deaths. According to Cancer Research UK, around 48,000 people are diagnosed with lung cancer every year in the UK, and it accounts for over 35,000 deaths annually. Raising awareness is crucial in encouraging people to understand the symptoms, reduce the risks, and seek medical advice when needed. Lung cancer often presents with symptoms that are similar to other conditions, meaning it is frequently diagnosed at later stages, when treatment options may be more limited.

Workers need to be aware that certain work activities, such as exposure to asbestos, mild steel welding fume and heavy and prolonged exposure to silica, can cause lung cancer and other serious respiratory diseases.

Get more information on the HSE website about:

Preventing work-related lung disease