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Dame Esther Rantzen has revealed that her lung cancer has progressed to stage four, after previously announcing in January that she had been diagnosed with the disease. The Childline founder and broadcaster told The Mirror that “nobody knows” if the new medication she is trying is working and a scan “will reveal one way or another”. Earlier in the year, Rantzen, 82, said she had “decided not to keep this secret any more because I find it difficult to skulk around various hospitals wearing an unconvincing disguise” and was “remaining optimistic”. Stage four is when cancer has spread from where it started to another body organ, according to Cancer Research UK, and is also called secondary or metastatic cancer. More than 43,000 people are diagnosed with lung cancer every year in the UK, according to the NHS, making it one of the most common forms of cancer – yet the disease is often shrouded in myths and misconceptions. So, what do you need to know? Here are some important facts about lung cancer… 1. Lung cancer can affect people of any age According to John Costello, a pulmonologist at the Mayo Clinic: “Lung cancer is certainly more common in older people – the average age of diagnosis is 70 years.” This does not mean it only ever affects older age groups, however. Lisa Jacques, lead specialist cancer nurse at Perci Health, says: “Most people develop lung cancer in their 60s and 70s, after many years of smoking, but occasionally people get lung cancer at a much younger age, even in their 20s and 30s.” 2. Lung cancer is not always caused by smoking Although smoking can certainly increase your chances of developing lung cancer, it is not the only cause. “Smoking is the cause of most lung cancers and the biggest risk factor, but about 10% of people who get lung cancer have never smoked,” explains Jacques. Costello adds: “There are some lung cancers which are genetic and may not be smoking-related, and some others are caused by exposures to substances like asbestos, radon gas and passive smoking” – although he says these are “relatively uncommon”. 3. Stopping smoking can help protect you Costello says: “Some of the damage and inflammation caused by smoking can be reversible, but in particular, emphysema is architectural destruction of the lung which causes extreme breathlessness and cannot be reversed.” So quitting smoking might reduce your risk and is always worthwhile for your health – but not starting the habit at all is much better. Speak to your GP if you would like support with quitting. 4. Lung cancer is not always deadly A diagnosis of lung cancer does not always mean certain death, but it is still serious. “Lung cancer has a 65% survival rate for five years in people with localised disease,” says Costello. “If it has spread around the body at the time of diagnosis, the survival rate is only 8%.” However, he says there are “new techniques in screening for lung cancer, such as CT scans in smokers over 50 years with a serious tobacco background”. These “may pick up very small early tumours, which can be removed with up to an 80-90% five-year survival rate”. So if you have concerns about a persistent cough, which is one of the key warning signs, see your GP and get it checked out as soon as possible. 5. Men are more likely to get it but women still need to be aware According to Cancer Research UK, men are more likely to get the disease than women (52% of lung cancer cases are men, compared to 48% of women). However, these margins are small, and women absolutely do need to be aware of lung cancer as well. “Lung cancer has been an increasing problem in women since they caught up with men in terms of smoking habit, and they are therefore at risk if they smoke, and some of the non-smoking related lung cancers are more common in women,” says Costello. Jacques adds: “It is the third most common cancer in the UK, and in women it is the second most common cancer type.” So, whether you smoke or not, look out for the symptoms of lung cancer – like a cough lasting longer than two or three weeks, recurring chest infections, breathlessness or aches and pains when breathing – and see your GP if you have any concerns. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Camilla receives ‘beautiful’ compliment after meeting children at historic library 7 foods that could help you get better sleep Household energy bills set to fall from July: 7 ways to help keep bills as low as possible

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Michael Beale was left frustrated by his “wasteful” Rangers side in their narrow 2-1 win over 10-man Servette in the first leg of their Champions League third qualifying round at Ibrox. Skipper James Tavernier scored a penalty in the sixth minute before striker Cyriel Dessers knocked in a second eight minutes later with his first Gers goal. Sam Lammers missed a great chance to make it 3-0 and, just before the break, Servette attacker Chris Bedia reduced the deficit from the spot after the VAR intervened to flag up a Dessers handball. Servette were reduced to 10 men in the 59th minute after David Douline was sent off for picking up the second of two yellow cards for a foul on Todd Cantwell. But the visitors defended resolutely and will fancy their chances of turning the tie around in Switzerland next Tuesday night. Beale said: “We started really well and I thought the energy from the team was really good in and out of possession. “The desire shown by Nico and Todd before the first goal to go chase a couple of lost causes down was fantastic. “I felt Borna Barisic had a good night and put some great crosses in. “Playing with the two nine’s gives you that opportunity that we got when Danilo went across the first post and Cyriel scores. “At that moment we were in a great place. But after that I thought we were wasteful. “Then comes the VAR decision for the penalty. I thought it was harsh but that’s the ruling. “The second half, their keeper made a fantastic save from Sam and Cyriel and we had other moments again where we were wasteful on a night when we played well in my opinion for a long period of time. “What it does is keep our wits about us. We know it will be difficult going to Geneva. It’s going to be a full house and we’ll see a different game like we always do in Europe. “I’ll never knock a win in European competition because I know they’re so difficult to come by. “But as a team, we do a lot of good things and create enormous opportunities and we have to be more decisive. “I’ll give our forwards [a break] at the moment because they’re new coming into the club and it’s early in the season. “But if we keep creating chances like that then we have to take them if we’re to put teams away.” Beale believes there is still more to come from his revamped squad. He said: “We are not using it as an excuse but 13 players left and nine came in. “Danilo has trained with his team-mates for four days and has had a pre-season which was all over the shop at Feyenoord. “We are not the sum of our parts right now but I thought we had more forward running and more energy. “I thought the front three were exciting and they will get better with each game.” Servette boss Rene Weiler is relishing the return game. He said: “The result leaves the door open for the second leg next week. “It was a tough start for us when we went 2-0 down and they played at a high level but we got a bit of luck with the penalty. “But overall the first half was balanced. We tried to attack but when we got a red card it was tough but it leaves us with the possibility for next week.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live James Trafford tipped to star for Burnley by Joleon Lescott Premier League looking into ‘historic’ financial issues at Chelsea Premier League may have to scrap mid-season break due to demands of calendar

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Ruben Dias is confident Manchester City will thrive on the pressure in the Champions League final. The City defender has no doubt his team-mates will step up to the challenge as they face Inter Milan in Istanbul on Saturday. City have already claimed the domestic double after an outstanding late-season charge and they now stand just one win away from becoming European champions for the first time. Dias said: “We love the pressure, we love it. The pressure will make you run faster, jump higher, be more focused. “That’s what these kind of games need and we need to embrace it. We enjoy the moment and we know what it means to our club, the fans, our families and we never forget to enjoy it.” After an inconsistent spell either side of the World Cup, City hit form in the spring to reel in Arsenal at the top of the Premier League and retain their title. We love the pressure, we love it. The pressure will make you run faster, jump higher, be more focused. Ruben Dias They then powered through to the Champions League final with stunning victories over Bayern Munich and holders Real Madrid. After beating rivals Manchester United to win the FA Cup last weekend, momentum seems very much to be on their side. Dias said: “I’ve been saying this for a long time – when we get to February and the decisions come up, that’s the sweet spot. “You can see the character of a team when you arrive on these stages, you can see whether a team wants to move forward or starts hiding. “Since that moment we’ve been showing up every time and tomorrow will be no different. It’s another time for all of us to step up to the occasion.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Republic of Ireland name 31-player training squad ahead of Women’s World Cup West Ham charged by UEFA over fan behaviour at Europa Conference League final Australia on course for world title despite fielding woes against India

When Chris Brown's name was read out, Selena Gomez wrinkled her nose in clear displeasure over his recognition