This week the portrait of Murdo Fraser MSP is appearing in a one off unique parliamentary photographic exhibition to raise awareness of lung cancer, the most common cancer worldwide. In Scotland alone, there are over 5000 people diagnosed with the disease every year – more than 13 people each day.
Murdo is among a group of Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) who have had their photographs taken for the exhibition.
The exhibition is a joint project between the charity Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation and the pharmaceutical company Boehringher Ingelheim Ltd. It shows photographs of MSPs holding lung x-ray images, which are accompanied by statements explaining the reason for their involvement in the project. The photographs are on display in a pop-up exhibition at the Scottish Parliamentfrom 15-19th April.
Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“Lung cancer is one of Scotland’s biggest killers and if expert predictions are correct, we can expect the current number of sufferers to double by 2040.
“Additionally, lung cancer is expected to rise 35 times faster in women than men, therefore it is important that patients are well aware of the symptoms, which could allow early detection.
“Being involved in this campaign will hopefully result in greater local and national awareness of lung cancer.
“As a member of the Scottish Parliament’s Cross Party Group on Health Inequalities I think it is important that lung cancer inequalities are tackled head on by the Scottish Government.
“Across Mid-Scotland and Fife, patients with lung cancer must be given the best possible care and I will continue to campaign on their behalf to ensure they receive it.”
Paula Chadwick, chief executive of the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, said:
“This exhibition will help to raise awareness among MSPs of three key issues: supporting the introduction of a national lung cancer awareness publicity campaign; tackling regional variations in treatment and care; and backing plans to introduce plain packaging on cigarettes in order to prevent the next generation of lung cancer victims.”
John Dixon, Boehringer Ingelheim UK and Ireland’s Managing Director commented:
“Boehringer Ingelheim is proud to have worked in partnership with Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation. We have had a fantastic response from parliamentarians who wanted to participate and raise awareness of this devastating disease and issues around early diagnosis, signs and symptoms and access to treatments. The exhibition is a means of highlighting to politicians and the wider public how early detection and diagnosis is key in the treatment and management of this disease for patients, their families and carers.”
The main signs and symptoms of lung cancer areiii:
- A cough that doesn’t go away
- A long standing cough gets worse
- Unexplained breathlessness
- Chest infections
- Coughing blood
- Unexplained weight loss
- Chest and/or shoulder pains
- Unexplained tiredness or lack of energy
- Hoarse voice
If you have any of these symptoms for more than three weeks, make an appointment with your GP today. There are a number of reasons why you may be experiencing some of the above symptoms, and it may be nothing serious, but it is worth getting checked out.
For information on local support groups and general information on lung cancer issues call the freephone helpline on 0800 358 7200 or visit www.roycastle.org