Lung Cancer Awareness Month - Improving Lung Cancer Survival

Highlights:

November is the Lung cancer awareness month and is observed globally
Over 2 million new cases are diagnosed every year. Therefore, it is necessary to educate the general public on lung cancer and improve survival

Lung cancer awareness month is observed globally in the month of November to educate the general public on lung cancer and to improve survival. Lung cancer is the most common cancer in men and the third most common cancer in women. It is the leading cause of cancer related deaths in the world.

Lung Cancer - Types, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention
Lung cancer is a malignant tumor in the lung tissues. Smoking is the main cause of lung cancer with symptoms like recurrent respiratory diseases.

‘Majority of lung cancer cases are preventable if one is aware of the symptoms to look out for and seeks prompt medical attention for early diagnosis and initiation of treatment.’
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Lung Cancer Awareness - History

The Lung Cancer Awareness Month Coalition (LCAMC), led by the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) consists of over 20 non-profit organizations. During this month, the activities of the Coalition focus on educating healthcare personnel as well as patients about this potentially lethal cancer and how everyone can come together to fight against it.

The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC), established in 1974, is the only organization in the world involved in the study of lung cancer. Its members include more than 7500 lung specialists spread across 100 countries.

Early Detection of Lung Cancer May be Possible with New Blood Test
Blood test that analyzes free-floating DNA in the blood shows potential for early detection of lung cancer according to a new study that also finds that more than 54 percent of the somatic (non-inherited) mutations detected in blood samples were derived from white blood cells and not from tumors.

Mission of IASLC/LCAMC

To study in detail about all aspects of lung cancer including etiology (causes), worldwide prevalence and statistics, diagnostic and treatment options
To focus more on research to develop new diagnostic and treatment options
To educate doctors and patients as well as the general population about lung cancer and its prevention

New Immunotherapy Combination Benefits Lung Cancer Patients
Novel combination of drugs is a huge step forward in lung cancer treatment, revealed research. 75 percent of lung cancer patients unfortunately are diagnosed at an incurable stage.

What We Can Do to Maximize Lung cancer Awareness

Use social media such as Facebook and Twitter to post and share messages about lung cancer
Survivors of lung cancer and their families can share their stories on social media to inspire others similarly affected
Print media can be used to publish powerful messages about the risk factors of lung cancer and avoiding them
Visual media and radio stations can conduct educational programs and discussions with experts to raise lung cancer awareness in the general population
Patients and their families should be made aware of the available resources and other support systems to help in their battle against the disease
The “white ribbon”, the symbol of lung cancer can be used to telling effect to create shirts, ribbons, bracelets, tattoos, gifts, jewelry and much more that can be sold on social media to raise funds for lung cancer research
Doctors and clinics can offer free respiratory check-ups during this month to encourage the public to get tested
Making individual or corporate donations to the cause of lung cancer awareness and prevention
Organizing awareness events such as walkathons, marathons or fun-filled gala dinners to raise funds for lung cancer awareness and research
Involve the local administration to come down heavily on those who promote and sell products that can cause lung cancer
Get celebrities to speak about lung cancer and advice the public to avoid products that can cause lung cancer

Combination of Drugs to Combat Lung Cancer Identified
Combination of drugs - one targeting epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and one targeting tumor necrosis factor (TNF) may effectively block the cancer from using TNF as an escape route offering new lung cancer treatment.

About Lung Cancer - Know About Risk Factors and Warning Symptoms

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer in men and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. About 2 million new cases are diagnosed each year. Lung cancer is often asymptomatic in the initial stages and when symptoms appear the cancer may be advanced and difficult to treat.

Risk Factors (Avoid these)

Smoking and inhalation of second hand smoke
Family or personal history of lung cancer
Exposure to radon, asbestos, diesel exhaust, silica and chromium
History of radiation to chest
Smokers taking beta carotene supplements have increased risk

Warning Symptoms (Seek medical advice if these occur)

Persistent cough of more than three months associated with blood stained sputum
Unexplained breathlessness
Persistent chest pain
Voice becoming hoarse
Recent onset weight loss, tiredness and loss of appetite

It is important to avoid the risk factors and seek early medical advice should you have any of the warning symptoms to allow early diagnosis and treatment.

Let us come together and raise awareness to create a future free of lung cancer!

References:

Lung Cancer Awareness Month: Are you aware of these 5 subtle symptoms? - (https://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/pa/article-6341487/Lung-Cancer-Awareness-Month-Are-aware-5-subtle-symptoms.html)
The IASLC Foundation - (https://www.iaslc.org/foundation)
Lung Cancer Awareness Month 2018 - (https://lungcanceralliance.org/get-involved/events/lung-cancer-awareness-2-2/)
Partners In Awareness - (https://lcam.org/partners/)
What Are the Risk Factors for Lung Cancer? - (https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/lung/basic_info/risk_factors.htm)

Source-Medindia