November Is Lung Cancer Awareness Month

November 15, 2008

Submitted by Vicki Miller

As we breathe in the crisp fall air, it is a good reminder of how important lung health is—and how we can all play a part in keeping out lungs healthy and cancer free. November is Lung Cancer Awareness month and a great time to make a fresh start for lung health.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. It kills more men and women than any other cancer and will kill more people this year than breast, prostate, colon, liver, kidney cancers and melanoma combined.

The statistics are startling. Lung cancer is expected to kill 161,840 Americans in 2008. In Florida alone, it is estimated that 17,360 people will be diagnosed with lung cancer, and 12,490 people will die from the disease in 2008.

Over 85 percent of lung cancer cases are tobacco related—but that does not mean if you use tobacco it is too late to turn your health around. A study last year found quitting smoking reduces your risk of dying from lung cancer by 70 percent. It is not too late to quit smoking and reverse course.

The future of lung cancer research is promising, but we don’t have to wait for the next breakthrough to reduce incidence and death from this disease. Live a tobacco free healthy life, teach your children about the dangers of tobacco, and help keep your home, workplace and public spaces tobacco free. Also include several servings of fruits and vegetables in your diet as part of a healthy lifestyle.

Everyone needs to know the signs of lung cancer, since not all cases are preventable, and there is not a screening method recommended by most medical guidelines for most individuals. Symptoms including persistent cough (the most common symptom); constant chest pain; shortness of breath; recurring pneumonia or bronchitis; coughing up blood; unusual or unexplained fatigue; swelling and redness of the neck or face; or loss of appetite and loss of weight.

Talk with your doctor if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, and about your family medical history of lung cancer and all cancers, as well as your history of tobacco use.

If you would like additional information on lung cancer early detection and prevention — or about cancer prevention in general, please contact the Prevent Cancer Foundation at www.preventcancer.org.

Vicki Miller is the spouse of Representative Jeff Miller and is a member of Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program of the Prevent Cancer Foundation.

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Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News