It is the second most common cancer in the UK, with more than 38,000 new cases of lung cancer diagnosed each year.

Helping those cope with tackling the disease is the aim of a new group which has been set up by nurses at Southend Hospital.

Lung cancer clinical nurse specialists Jo Phelps and Jolly Barber are launching the new support group next month for patients and their families.

As well as those suffering from lung cancer, the group will also support patients with mesothelioma - a cancer of the pleura or lining of the lung which is usually associated with exposure to asbestos.

Jo explains: "We have taken advice from the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Found- ation about setting up the group and the feedback we have had has been extremely positive."

Jo has been working with lung patients since 2002 and says unfortunately the number of patients is growing steadily each year.

"The hospital sees about 220 new patients a year with one of the two conditions," she says. "Sadly the number of mesothelioma cases is expected to rise within ten years."

Although both Jo and Jolly will be on hand during the meetings to answer any medical questions, they hope the main benefit of the group will be in bringing together those sharing a common experience of the disease.

Jo says: "We want it to be quite informative and will include discussions about diet and cancer and living with the symptoms such as breathlessness, but really it will be open for those who attend to tell us what they want to get out of the group."

According to Jo, patients deal with man common experiences and symptoms, including breathlessness, pain, coughing, poor mobility, fatigue and social isolation.

Treatment for the disease depends on the type of lung cancer.

If the tumour is located on the outside of the lung away from the centre, and if it has not already spread, then it may be removed by surgery.

Radiotherapy and chemotherapy are the other main methods of treatment.

"Sadly there is a high death rate in this type of cancer, but we are seeing more surgery these days to help treat it," explains Jo."

"That is why we would encourage families and carers to attend our meetings as they may find it of particular help when time has moved on and they may have lost their loved one."

Future meetings will also include outside speakers and experts.

Similar support groups for patients set up in other parts of the country have already proved a success according to Jo.

As well as sharing experiences and the latest information on the disease and its treatment, the groups often enjoy a lively social side as well including trips out which include wine tasting events.

Jo says: "Many have started in a small way, but the numbers have now grown to 20 or 30.

"There really is nothing like talking to someone else who knows what you are going through."

The first meeting of the group takes place on Wednesday, February 7, between 12.30pm and 2pm at the Coleman Street chapel, Southend.

For information contact Jo Phelps or Jolly Barber on 01702 435555 ext 3355.