World Lung Cancer Day is observed on August 1 each year. The goal of this initiative is to promote global awareness and highlight the different ways we can get involved in the battle against lung cancer. Learn more about lung cancer causes, prevention, and advocacy efforts below.
What Is World Lung Cancer Day?
Established in 2012, World Lung Cancer Day serves as a way to raise awareness for lung cancer, support people diagnosed with the disease, and advocate for prevention and further research.
Before the 20th century, lung cancer was a rare disease. However, industrialization exposed many blue-collar workers and their families to materials that caused lung cancer, like asbestos. Scientists did not begin studying causes and effects of lung cancer until the 1950s.
While decades of research have contributed greatly to our understanding of lung cancer, we must continue to raise awareness.
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), lung cancer causes 25% of cancer deaths in the U.S., more than colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined.
The ACS also estimates that more than 130,000 Americans will die from lung cancer in 2022 alone.
World Lung Cancer Day is sponsored by the American Lung Association’s LUNG FORCE initiative, which supports research for both lung cancer treatment and cures and works to unite individuals in their awareness of the disease.
The ACS and the European Respiratory Society (ERS) are just two of the national and international organizations that have joined LUNG FORCE in recognizing this day of awareness.
Goals of World Lung Cancer Day
The mission of World Lung Cancer Day is to increase awareness of the causes of various lung cancers and lung-related cancers, including asbestos-caused lung cancer and pleural mesothelioma.
This important day also provides an opportunity to educate people about cancer-causing products, including asbestos-containing materials that may lead to lung cancer or mesothelioma.
Further, World Lung Cancer Day helps connect patients with treatment methods and promotes research to find a cure.
Organizations like the ERS and ACS educate the public on the causes of lung cancer, common symptoms, and the various screening options available.
LUNG FORCE estimates that about 25,000 lives could be saved if the 8 million Americans at high risk for lung cancer were screened.
How to Support World Lung Cancer Day
It takes a village to combat such a common disease, and everyone has their part to play. Even if you or a loved one is not a patient, you can get involved in this global initiative.
LUNG FORCE has outlined three actions you can take to join the fight against lung cancer.
- Understand the risk factors. Anyone can get lung cancer, and the best way to prevent it is to take steps to avoid cancer-causing substances. Common risk factors for lung cancer include smoking and exposure to asbestos and other carcinogens.
- Learn about lung cancer screenings. A new low-dose computerized tomography (CT) scan is recommended for those at high risk for lung cancer. Early and regular lung cancer screening has the potential to dramatically improve lung cancer survival rates.
- Advocate for cancer research. Try contacting your elected officials to ask if they can request additional funding for lung cancer research at the legislative level.
You can also share your own story with the community, whether the disease has affected you or a loved one. Other ways you can drive change include engaging and educating others through social media, donating to research organizations, and volunteering at your local cancer center.
Your support provides hope to current lung cancer patients and their families, not just today but every day.
If you or a loved one has been personally affected by lung cancer, you might qualify for financial assistance. Reach out to our team at (866) 608-8933 to learn more.
