Educational Lung Cancer Poster - Lung Cancer Awareness Month

3 November 2014

Launch of Educational Lung Cancer Poster Marks Beginning of Lung Cancer Awareness Month

Pfizer New Zealand will launch an educational poster about lung cancer, to hang in the foyer of Christchurch Hospital, to help raise awareness of lung cancer and its symptoms as part of Lung Cancer Awareness Month in November.

This follows Pfizer’s report, the Lung Cancer Health Report, released earlier this year, which revealed that New Zealanders know very little about the symptoms of lung cancer or just how common lung cancer is.

Pfizer New Zealand Managing Director, Melissa McGregor, says that while lung cancer is the most common cause of death from cancer in New Zealand only 27% of Kiwis have a high knowledge of lung cancer. The sad thing is that lung cancer accounts for around 19% of cancer deaths every year, which is around 1,650 people, so it’s a health challenge we really need to get on top of.

“As part of our Lung Cancer Health Report we found that often the symptoms of lung cancer can creep up on people and go undetected. It is therefore extremely important we are all aware of our lung health and seek help early if we notice any concerning symptoms,” Ms McGregor said.

“Pfizer is committed to helping raise awareness of lung cancer. The poster illustrates a set of lungs as two spoons of cough syrup and emphasises cough syrup won’t cure lung cancer. By working with Christchurch Hospital to develop this poster, and placing it in the busy foyer for the month of November, we hope to encourage people to visit their doctor if they experience any symptoms that might indicate a potential problem,” says Ms McGregor.

Dr Greg Frazer, Lead Respiratory Lung Cancer Clinician and Respiratory Clinical Director for Christchurch Hospital, says it is important that we raise awareness of lung cancer and its symptoms as the outcome for the patient is much better when there is an early diagnosis.

“People need to know the symptoms of this disease so that they are aware when things are not right and seek advice from their GP. A simple test like a chest x-ray may detect lung cancer at a stage when it may be curable,” says Dr Frazer.

The most common symptoms of lung cancer are:
• a cough that does not go away
• hoarseness or loss of voice
• repeated bouts of pneumonia or bronchitis
• shortness of breath or increased breathlessness
• noisy breathing
• pain in the chest, upper back or ribs
• coughing up blood
• low energy levels
• neck and arm swelling and swollen veins.

Dalton Kelly, Chief Executive of the newly established Lung Foundation of New Zealand, says the Foundation is proud to support the launch of the poster, which will be seen by the large numbers of people every day for the month of November.

Mr Kelly says survival from lung cancer in New Zealand, especially for Maori, is poor compared with many other countries. “The five-year survival rate from lung cancer is around 10% in New Zealand for the total population and only 7% for Maori. By comparison, the survival rate is as high as 12-16% in Australia and the USA. It is thought the poorer survival rates in New Zealand reflect late diagnosis, which is why it’s vital people become more aware of the health of their lungs and see a doctor if they have any concerns,” says Mr Kelly.

About Pfizer New ZealandWorking together for a healthier worldTM

At Pfizer, we apply science and our global resources to improve health and well-being at every stage of life. We strive to set the standard for quality, safety and value in the discovery, development and manufacturing of medicines. Our global health care portfolio includes medicines and vaccines, as well as many of the world’s best-known consumer products.

Every day, Pfizer colleagues work across developed and emerging markets to advance wellness, prevention, treatments and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our time. Consistent with our responsibility as the world’s leading biopharmaceutical company, we also collaborate with healthcare providers, governments and local communities to support and expand access to reliable, affordable health care around the world.

For more than 150 years, Pfizer has worked to make a difference for all who rely on us. www.pfizer.co.nz

ENDS

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