Every day over 400 people die of lung cancer making it more deadly than breast, prostate, colon and pancreatic cancer combined.
We are joining many other organizations in raising awareness of the lung cancer during national Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Through various events and media, organizers hope to bring much-needed attention to this common form of cancer.
Facts About Lung Cancer
According to The Lung Cancer Alliance, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States among every ethnic group, which equals 1 in every 3 cancer cases. Over 60% of new cases are individuals who were former smokers (many of whom quit decades ago) or people who are non-smokers. One in five women and one in twelve men diagnosed with lung cancer have never smoked.
Symptoms of lung cancer vary, and many individuals who develop lung cancer show show no symptoms until the disease has advanced into late stages. Some lung cancer symptoms include:
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Wheezing
- Pain in the chest, shoulder, upper back, or arm
- Coughing up blood
- Repeated pneumonia or bronchitis
- Loss of appetite (anorexia) and weight loss
- Hoarseness
- Swelling of face or neck
Advise your physician of your medical and social history at each physical examination to assist in a prompt and accurate diagnosis.
Tobacco use is the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the United States, yet more than 46 million Americans still smoke. However, more than half of these smokers have attempted to quit for at least one day in the past year.
Pledge to Quit Smoking
On November 17th, the American Cancer Society is marking the 36th annual “Great American Smokeout.” On this day, smokers are encouraged to either quit smoking or make a plan to quit.
Whether you are a smoker, former smoker or non-smoker, remember that lung cancer can affect us all and pledge to take care of your health in November and always.
Sources:
The Lung Cancer Alliance
The American Cancer Society