At least one-quarter of Irish people are unable to name a single symptom of lung cancer, new research has found.

According to the findings from the Global Lung Cancer Coalition (GLCC), 27% of Irish people cannot name any symptoms of the disease, which is the second most common cancer in Ireland and the leading cause of cancer death here.

Around 2,500 new cases of lung cancer are diagnosed here every year, and around 1,855 people die annually from it.

The research was highlighted by the Irish Cancer Society (ICS), which recently launched its annual Lung Cancer Awareness Month. It noted that in 2013, similar GLCC research found that just 9% of Irish people could only name one symptom of the disease.

"The significant drop in awareness of the symptoms of lung cancer is worrying, given that the numbers are only set to increase, particularly among women. Alarmingly, female lung cancer cases are projected to increase by at least 77% between 2010 and 2040, and male cases by at least 52%," commented ICS cancer prevention manager, Kevin O'Hagan.

Signs and symptoms of lung cancer include:
-A cough that will not go away, or a change in a long-term cough
-Repeated chest infections that do not go away even after antibiotic use
-Shortness of breath or wheezing
-Coughing up blood-stained phlegm
-A hoarse voice
-Problems swallowing, or swelling in the face or neck
-Unexplained weight loss
-Feeling more tired than usual
-Pain in your chest, particularly when you inhale or cough.

The ICS highlighted the fact that one-quarter of lung cancer cases are diagnosed in Emergency Departments (EDs), and many of these cases are already at an advanced stage.

"Irish people need to get checked if they experience any symptoms and not wait to present as an emergency. Late diagnosis limits your treatment options and reduces your chances of survival,"Mr O'Hagan said.

The ICS provides an online lung health check-up here, or for more information on lung cancer in general, click here