The Irish Cancer Society has launched its lung cancer awareness campaign for the month of January.

It has stressed that with early detection and treatment, lung cancer can be effectively treated or cured.

The Society is encouraging everyone to be aware of the signs and symptoms of lung cancer and contact their GP or call the National Cancer Helpline (Freefone 1800 200 700) if they are concerned.

According to the most recent data 2,227 new cases of lung cancer were diagnosed in 2010 in Ireland, making it the fourth most common cancer after breast, prostate and bowel cancer.

In terms of cancer deaths, lung cancer however is the biggest cancer killer in Ireland with 1,708 people dying in 2010 (1,006 men and 702 women).

The Cancer Society points out that Ireland has the sixth highest incidence rate of lung cancer amongst women and the 32nd highest amongst men of 41 countries in Europe.

"Smoking is the key cause of lung cancer and the number of cases among women is expected to grow each year as we see the effect of increasing numbers of women smoking over the past 20 years take hold. New cases of lung cancer in women have increased by 17.6% in 2010. Lung cancer has overtaken breast cancer as the biggest cause of cancer death in women in Ireland."

However, with early detection, effective treatment and even cure is possible.

"The key to improving survival for lung cancer patients is early detection, said Aoife McNamara, Irish Cancer Society lung cancer specialist nurse.

"This begins with people being aware of the signs and symptoms of lung cancer, going to see their GP if they are concerned and being referred on to a rapid access clinic for diagnosis and treatment. Awareness campaigns like the one the Society is launching today are vital as they are the first step in the chain. If people know the signs to look out for, they are more likely to go see their GP and get referred to a specialist."

The Society is encouraging those concerned about lung cancer to call the Irish Cancer Society's National Cancer Helpline on Freefone 1800 200 700, or to visit their GP.

The Cancer Society's specialist cancer nurses will be present for a live Facebook Q&A session from 2-4pm on Wednesday, January 16 for anyone affected by lung cancer. If you or someone you know would like to find out more about, visit the Facebook page www.facebook.com/IrishCancerSociety at 2pm next Wednesday.

The Society also runs the National Smokers' Quitline in conjunction with the HSE which offers one to one support to those who wish to stop smoking. More information is available by calling Callsave 1850 201 203 or visiting www.quit.ie.