Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, accounting for nearly one in five cancer deaths globally. Despite advances in diagnosis and treatment, it continues to pose a significant public health challenge. November is recognized as Lung Cancer Awareness Month, a vital time to educate the public about this disease, promote early detection, and encourage preventive measures.
What is Lung Cancer?
Lung cancer develops when abnormal cells in the lungs grow uncontrollably, forming tumors that can interfere with breathing and spread to other organs. There are two main types: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which accounts for about 85% of cases, and small cell lung cancer (SCLC), which is more aggressive but less common. The type of lung cancer affects treatment options and prognosis.
What Causes Lung Cancer?
While smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, responsible for about 80-90% of cases, there are other important risk factors. Exposure to radon gas, air pollution, secondhand smoke, asbestos, and certain workplace chemicals also increase risk. Furthermore, lung cancer can occur in nonsmokers highlighting the need for broad awareness.
What are the Symptoms?
Lung cancer often show no symptoms in early stages, making it difficult to detect early.
- A cough that doesn't go away or gets worse
- Coughing up blood
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Loss of appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
- Feeling tired or weak
- Infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia that don't go away or keep coming back
Because these symptoms can be mistaken for other illnesses, diagnosis is frequently delayed, contributing to poorer outcomes.
Prevention
The most effective way to reduce lung cancer risk is to never start smoking or to quit as early as possible. Quitting smoking at any age significantly lowers the risk and improves overall health. Avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke, testing homes for radon, and using protective equipment at work can further reduce risk.
For those at high risk, typically older adults with a significant smoking history, annual lung cancer screening using low-dose CT scans is recommended. Screening can detect lung cancer early when treatment is more effective and survival rates improve. Discussing your risk factors with a healthcare provider is essential to determine if screening is appropriate.
It's never too late to quit using tobacco. The sooner you quit, the more you can reduce your chances of getting cancer and other diseases.
-www.cancer.org
Treatment
Treatment depends on the stage and type of lung cancer but may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy. Advances in targeted drugs and immunotherapies have transformed the outlook for many patients, especially those with specific genetic mutations or immune profiles.
Despite progress, lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, in part due to late diagnosis and health disparities. In the United States and globally, underserved communities often face barriers to screening and treatment, leading to worse outcomes.
Lung Cancer Awareness
In the United States, about 10% to 20% of lung cancers...happen in people who never smoked or smoked fewer than 100 cigarettes in their lifetime.
-Center for Disease Control
Lung
cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide
Month:
November
Color:
White
or
Pearl
Sewing for Lung Cancer Awareness
Sewing is a great activity to help spread awareness. Amazing conversations can happen among friends, reminders to get screened and do self exams can be shared, and your projects can highlight it all.
This month we made a full set of Clam Up bags using beautiful white, pearl, and gray fabrics from Art Gallery Fabrics' Pure Colors collection.
We embellished the bags with quilting, doilies, beads, patchwork, and a white awareness ribbon.
Final Thoughts
Addressing lung cancer effectively requires not only medical advances but also public health initiatives to reduce tobacco use, improve access to screening, and educate populations about risk factors.
Supporting research, advocating for equitable healthcare, and raising awareness can help save lives.
Lung Cancer Awareness Month is a reminder that lung cancer affects millions but is often preventable and treatable when caught early.
By understanding the risks, taking preventive steps, and supporting patients and families, we can work toward a future with fewer lung cancer deaths and improved quality of life for those affected.
How to Support
There are countless ways to help support lung cancer awareness. The easiest way is to keep the conversation going. Spread awareness by wearing white or pearl ribbons this month, post on social media, and tell others how they can support this cause. Consider making your next sewing project with white or pearl fabrics.
If you have the means, donate to trusted organizations that focus on medical research and patient care like the American Cancer Society. (Donate here to have ByAnnie match your donation.) If someone you know is being affected by one of these cancers, consider helping out with daily tasks like meals, childcare, groceries, or rides to appointments.
While cancer is scary, if we stand together as a community to support those fighting battles against cancer, whether it be as a patient, caregiver, or medical professional, we can make the battle a little easier for everyone.
Want to make a project to support lung cancer awareness? Use the chart below to find solids from your favorite fabric companies.
Disclaimer
Any and all content produced and displayed by ByAnnie.com is for educational and informative purposes only; it should not and does not replace a diagnosis by a medical professional. Statements made by ByAnnie.com are not medical advice. If any questions arise, contact your doctor or other qualified professional. Unless stated otherwise, the opinions and statements made are not by medical professionals. Reliance on and usage of ANY information from ByAnnie.com is done solely at your own risk. None of the staff members of ByAnnie are, or claim to be, medical professionals. We urge you to consult with a medical professional to answer any questions or concerns that you may have. Stay healthy, stay safe, and happy stitching!
#SewPINK: Lung Cancer