World Lung Cancer Day August 1st
By: Kaylee Powell
Annually, August 1st is observed as World Lung Cancer Day, a global initiative to raise awareness of lung cancer and its impact on individuals and their families. Starting in 2012, this day is meant to serve as a reminder of the importance of lung health and preventative care before cancer can develop. It’s also an effort to create better treatments and one day a cure.
The Significance of Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is still one of the most common and deadly cancers worldwide. According to the National Foundation for Cancer Research “Each year, hundreds of thousands of Americans are diagnosed with lung cancer. Tragically, lung cancer is amongst the deadliest forms of cancer, claiming more lives each year than breast, prostate, and colon cancers combined. With other forms of cancer being extremely treatable, many are left asking why lung cancer is still claiming so many lives each year.”
Only 16% of lung cancer is caught in the early stages because the lungs are an internal organ that isn’t often checked. Most people will not know they have lung cancer until the symptoms start. This means a delay in treatment and reduced success overall. Lung cancer is metastatic which means it continues to spread throughout your body. Chemotherapy is an option for treatment but can be ineffective as some forms of lung cancer are resistant to the treatment.
Causes, Risks, and Symptoms
The Mayo Clinic states “People who smoke have the greatest risk of lung cancer. The risk of lung cancer increases with the length of time and number of cigarettes smoked.” It greatly encourages those who smoke to quit as it significantly reduces your chances of developing lung cancer. However, there are many other causes including secondhand smoke, gas or asbestos exposure, and other environmental pollutants. There are also underlying medical conditions that could lead to lung cancer.
Being able to detect lung cancer early on greatly improves the chances of having a successful treatment. Many symptoms come with the early stages of lung cancer and if you or someone you know is experiencing any of these, it is recommended that you see a doctor.
● A persistent cough
● Chest pain
● Coughing up blood, even a small amount
● Hoarseness or scratchy voice
● Shortness of breath
● Unexplained weight loss
● Wheezing
As the cancer spreads, other symptoms may appear including:
● Bone pain
● Constant headaches
● Loss of appetite
● Swelling in the face or neck
Even if you’re not feeling these specific symptoms, going in for regular screenings is still important as it’s the most sure way to catch diseases early on.
New Developments
Researchers have begun to improve the screening process for lung cancer along with better treatments and understanding the chemotherapy-resistant strain. There has been an improvement in targeted therapy and immunotherapy as it provides personalized treatments for individuals. However, these projects take a lot of funding and awareness to pull off, and that is the importance of August 1st.
World Lung Cancer Day is about raising awareness for this deadly cancer and funding more research to prevent and treat it. The campaign speaks on the risks, symptoms, and importance of early detection. Some organizations aim to promote policies that reduce tobacco use and improve air quality to prevent people from getting lung cancer in other ways.
Get Involved
Getting involved with World Lung Cancer Day is simple. By spreading the word through social media, blogs, or just word of mouth you’re making an impact in somebody's life. By warning those around you of early symptoms you may be able to help someone receive the treatments they need earlier on.
Another way you can get involved is by supporting fundraisers that participate in cancer research or patient support. You can also support policies that work to reduce the risk factors leading to lung cancer early on. Many social media campaigns are happening in late July, or early August to support the cause.
World Lung Cancer Day is a reminder of the ongoing fight against lung cancer. This day will serve as a day to educate, advocate for, and support those who are battling lung cancer or their families. By coming together on August 1st we can foster significant improvements to beat lung cancer.
Sources:
Ciupka, NFCR Writer Brittany. “Why Is Lung Cancer so Deadly?” NFCR, 18 Sept. 2020, www.nfcr.org/blog/why-is-lung-cancer-so-deadly/.
“Honoring World Lung Cancer Day - August 1, 2024.” LCFA, 21 May 2024, lcfamerica.org/get-involved/raise-awareness/honoring-world-lung-cancer-day/#:~:text=Since%20its%20inception%20in%202012,more%20lung%20cancer%20research%20funding.
“Lung Cancer.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 30 Apr. 2024, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lung-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20374620.