Lung Cancer Awareness Month is observed annually in November and highlights the need for more research to be conducted while cultivating a better understanding of the disease. Tragically, lung cancer is the second most common cancer and is also known as the leading cause of cancer deaths in men and women worldwide. Each year, 218,500 people are affected by lung cancer in the United States. Out of these, about 142,000 succumb to the disease. This is because lung cancer is difficult to identify and many individuals don’t experience any symptoms until the cancer has reached an advanced stage. It’s for this reason that yearly lung cancer screenings are recommended to those who have a history of smoking, or have quit within the past 15 years. This Lung Cancer Awareness Month, vow to educate everyone around you regarding the disease
HISTORY OF LUNG CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
Cases of cancer have been recorded as early as 3000 B.C. in Egypt. During that time, Egyptians believed cancer was caused by the Gods. On the other hand, the Greeks believed cancer was caused by an excess of black bile in the body. Around 460–370 B.C., Hippocrates used the word ‘carcinos’ and ‘carcinoma’ to describe tumors.
It wasn’t until the 16th century that lung cancer was seen as a distinct disease. After further research, various characteristics of lung cancer were identified in 1810. However, during this time, lung cancer was still rare and was often spotted in miners. Between 1876–1938, around 60% to 80% of miners died from the disease and earned mines the nickname of “death pits”.
Up until 1878, lung cancer was still considered rare as it made up only 1% of all cancers. Unfortunately, this percentage rose to 10% in 1918 and further escalated to over 14% in 1927. This is because smoking had increased over the years but its adverse impact on the human body had not yet been detected. In 1929, German physician Fritz Lickint first recognized and highlighted the connection between smoking and lung cancer. Naturally, this lead to an anti-tobacco movement in Nazi Germany, which later trickled down into other parts of the world where cases of lung cancer were increasing. By the 1930s, an “unusual” increase in the disease was noted and researchers began assessing the role of smoking in lung cancer. A case-control study was published in 1940 in Germany where it was stated that “the extraordinary rise in tobacco use was the single most important cause of the rising incidence of lung cancer.”
HOW TO OBSERVE LUNG CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
- Attend a conference
Throughout the month, numerous conferences regarding lung cancer are held across the country. Attend one to find out more about the illness.
- Promote it on social media
Promote the causes of lung cancer on social media. Also, talk about the importance of early detection and discuss why it helps. Use the hashtag #LungCancerAwarenessMonth.
- Donate for research
To celebrate the month, donate to an organization working towards developing a cure for lung cancer. Every cent helps!
5 FACTS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT LUNGS
- Breaths per day
The average person takes up 20,000 resting breaths per day!
- The tubes
The lungs have a network of 600 million interconnected tubes.
- Improving lung capacity
Improving lung capacity can be achieved by exercise.
- Breaths by an average person
On average, a person breathes 13 pints of air every 60 seconds.
- Importance of coughs
Coughing and sneezing keep your lungs clear of substances you unknowingly inhale.
WHY LUNG CANCER AWARENESS MONTH IS IMPORTANT
- It creates awareness
The month provides details about lung cancer and how it can be prevented. It also talks about how common it is and why all of us need to be cautious.
- It promotes early detection
The month promotes the importance of early detection. This allows for the disease to be caught early on before it reaches a deadly stage.
- It highlights the risks of smoking
The month also talks about smoking as one of the most common causes of lung cancer. Numerous non-smoking campaigns are hosted.
Original Article – https://nationaltoday.com/lung-cancer-awareness-month/