National Cancer Prevention Month
According to the American Cancer Society, Lung Cancer is the second most common cancer in the U.S. and is responsible for approximately 25% of all cancer related deaths.1 Each year, more people die of lung cancer than colon cancer, breast cancer, and prostate cancers combined.2
Join us during the month of February in honor of National Cancer Prevention Month to raise awareness for lung cancer prevention, earlier detection, and better access to cancer care. Together we can move towards better lung cancer outcomes.
Ways to Prevent Lung Cancer
- Avoid smoking cigarettes, or other nicotine products. Smoking is linked to 80%-90% of all lung cancer deaths.3 If you’re a smoker, it’s advised to quit smoking. While quitting doesn’t negate your risk of lung cancer, it can lower your chances of getting it.
- Avoid second-hand smoking. Second-hand smoke carries the same risks as smoking.
- Check radon levels in your home. Second to smoking, Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer.3 Proactively checking your home’s radon levels can help you keep you and your family safe from the naturally occurring cancer causing gas.
- Know your family history. Those with a family history of lung cancer are at higher risk of getting lung cancer. It’s important to talk to your doctor about annual screenings if you have a family history.
- Substance exposure at work. If you work with substances such as asbestos, arsenic, diesel exhaust, and some forms of silica and chromium you are at a higher risk of lung cancer.3
- Check your diet. While more research is being conducted in this area studies show that obesity, certain dietary supplements, and arsenic in drinking water (usually in private wells) can increase lung cancer.3
Early Detection of Lung Cancer
If you’re a smoker, have a family history of lung cancer, or suspect that you are at high-risk for lung cancer through other factors, contact your doctor and ask about your screening options. While not all lung cancer can be prevented, regular screenings can catch lung cancer at an earlier stage and lower your chances of dying.2
How to Support the Mission for Better Lung Cancer Outcomes
If you’ve been touched by lung cancer and would like to get involved, below are some ways to help:
- Raise awareness by joining support groups and online communities
- Volunteer at local events to support cancer patients and their families
- Donate to cancer research
Join us on Social Media and help us amplify the message! #cancerprevention #cancerscreening
1. American Cancer Society. “Key Statistics for Lung Cancer.” Cancer.org, American Cancer Society, 14 Feb. 2022, www.cancer.org/cancer/lung-cancer/about/key-statistics.html
2. Lung Cancer Early Detection: Lung Cancer Screening.” Lung Cancer Early Detection | Lung Cancer Screening, https://www.cancer.org/cancer/lung-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/detection.html
3. Cancer Facts & Figures 2023| American Cancer Society. www.cancer.org, www.cancer.org/research/cancer-facts-statistics/all-cancer-facts-figures/2023-cancer-facts-figures.html
