Lung Cancer Awareness Month

November is considered “Lung Cancer Awareness Month” with the theme of “Education, Empowerment, and Eradication” for the year 2023. A white ribbon is normally used to represent Lung cancer awareness. The objective of Lung cancer awareness is to raise awareness and promote research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, and cure. You may not know but nearly a quarter of the people who die from cancer were diagnosed with lung cancer. What is Lung cancer? When cancer starts in the lungs, it is called lung cancer. Lung cancer begins in the lungs and may spread to lymph nodes or other organs in the body, such as the brain. Cancer from other organs also may spread to the lungs.

What causes Lung cancer.
1. Smoking: Cigarette, cigar, and pipe smoking
2. Secondhand smoke: Exposure to the smoke produced by others’ tobacco use can also increase the risk of lung cancer, especially for nonsmokers.
3. Radon gas: Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can seep into homes and buildings.
4. Asbestos: Inhalation of asbestos fibers, especially in the workplace, can lead to lung cancer.
5. Family history: Individuals with a family history of lung cancer may have a higher risk.
6. Preexisting lung diseases: Chronic lung conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pulmonary fibrosis can increase the risk of lung cancer.
7. Radiation therapy: Previous radiation therapy to the chest, often used to treat other cancers.
8. Diet and nutrition: A poor diet, lacking certain antioxidants and vitamins, may play a role in lung cancer development.What are the symptoms of Lung Cancer?
• Coughing that gets worse or doesn’t go away.
• Chest pain.
• Shortness of breath.
• Wheezing.
• Coughing up blood.
• Weight loss with no known cause.Lung Cancer Awareness Month serves as a reminder that we can all play a role in the fight against this disease. Whether you’re spreading awareness through social media, participating in a local event, or making a donation to a lung cancer organization, your efforts can make a difference. Encouraging early detection, dispelling myths, and promoting a stigma-free environment for lung cancer patients are steps towards reducing the impact of this disease.In conclusion, Lung Cancer Awareness Month is an opportunity to shed light on a disease that has taken too many lives. By dispelling misconceptions, promoting early detection, and supporting research and patients, we can work together to make a meaningful impact in the fight against lung cancer. Let this month be a starting point for greater awareness and advocacy and let us remember that it’s never too late to take action and make a difference in the lives of those affected by lung cancer.

Written By: –

Rtr. Onasha Fernando
(Blog Team Member 2023-24)

Edited By: –

Rtr. Sandasi Senaratne
(Blog Team Member 2023-24)