Simple Ways to Make A Difference During Lung Cancer Awareness Month

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. It’s important for every person to understand the severity of the disease, as it’s the No. 1 cancer killer of men AND women in the United States.

History of Lung Cancer Awareness Month

According to the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), lung cancer will be responsible for the deaths of roughly 131,000 people in 2021. Lung Cancer Awareness Month began in the early 1990s to bring awareness of this deadly disease, share personal stories of hope, and encourage actions to decrease its impact.

If you or someone you know has battled lung cancer, or you just want to be part of bringing awareness of this disease to light, join us in these ways to acknowledge and honor Lung Cancer Awareness Month.

Increase Awareness

Part of the goal for Lung Cancer Awareness Month is to increase the public’s knowledge and understanding of this terrible disease.

  • Share Social Media Posts. Use your personal social media platform(s) to share survivor stories and encourage your connections to guard themselves against the risk of lung cancer. There’s even a Facebook profile picture frame you can add to increase awareness. Use the hashtag #LungCancerAwarenessMonth and #LCSM (lung cancer social media) to gain even more exposure.
  • Wear the Ribbon. We know that pink ribbons are worn for breast cancer awareness, but few people know that lung cancer has a color designated, too. Lung cancer is represented by a white ribbon. Wear one and start an open conversation with those who ask about it.
  • It takes money to fund research that can find cures for all diseases, and lung cancer is no exception. Donate to The American Cancer Society, The American Lung Association, Lungevity, and Upstage Lung Cancer. Your dollars will go a long way toward helping decrease the instances, and find treatments for, this type of cancer.

Help Change the Numbers

Being part of the broad cause that helps lead change is powerful, but you should aim to make a difference in your close circle of friends and loved ones.

  • Know the Symptoms. Signs of lung cancer vary, but a persistent cough is found in about half of patients diagnosed. Some other common signs are hoarseness, shortness of breath, coughing up blood, frequent respiratory infections, and sometimes back pain. Talk to your doctor about any symptoms you’re exhibiting.
  • Know Your Risk. If you have a history of lung cancer in your family, were exposed to certain chemicals in your workplace like asbestos, or have been treated with radiation in your chest area, your risk of getting lung cancer is higher than average. Be extra vigilant in watching for symptoms and getting screened.
  • Get Screened. The earlier lung cancer is detected, the more likely it can be treated successfully. Get screened with an X-ray or CT scan. There are few risks with these painless procedures, and they can find lung cancer while it’s still in the early stages. Talk to your doctor at your next checkup to see if you’re eligible.
  • Stamp Out the Stigma. Nobody “deserves” lung cancer, ever. Lung cancer has long been written off as a smoker’s disease, and this negative view is still around today. The fact is there are more non-smokers diagnosed with lung cancer every year than smokers. Redefining lung cancer as the deadly disease that it is — instead of dismissing it as an avoidable illness — and approaching it with sympathy and compassion, is a big part of the battle.
  • Talk About It. Conversations about screening, treatment, and general awareness is key in battling this disease. Open up to those close to you and have honest communication about lung cancer and what it means. Who knows? Your words may get someone to the doctor earlier than they’d have gone otherwise, which just might save their life.

The good news is that the research, screening, and awareness is making positive strides in the battle. In the last 20 years, lung cancer deaths have been cut in half for men and by a third for women. This decrease is wonderful, but there’s still a long way to go in fighting this dreadful disease and saving lives. Commit to being part of the solution.