The Importance of Lung Cancer Awareness Month
Lung Cancer Awareness Month is observed each November to raise awareness about lung cancer, promote screening, and support ongoing research and advocacy efforts.
Organized by various organizations worldwide, this month serves as a crucial platform to inform the public about the risk factors, symptoms, and treatment options associated with lung cancer.
Through a variety of events, social media campaigns, and outreach programs, Lung Cancer Awareness Month emphasizes the importance of early detection, which can significantly increase survival rates. Lung cancer remains one of the most common cancers globally, impacting millions of individuals and families. This month unites people in a collective fight against the disease, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.
Theme
The 2024 theme for Lung Cancer Awareness Month is “Stronger Together: United for Lung Cancer Awareness.” This theme highlights the essential role of community support and collaboration in combating lung cancer. By working together—whether through advocacy, education, or fundraising—communities can make a meaningful impact in the fight against this disease. This year’s theme encourages individuals and organizations to unite in their efforts, raising awareness and pushing for advancements in research, treatment, and support for those affected by lung cancer.
“‘During National Lung Cancer Awareness Month, we honor all those living with lung cancer and their loved ones. We thank the researchers searching for answers and the medical professionals who are working tirelessly to care for those with lung cancer, and we recommit to ending cancer as we know it.’ Read the full White House Proclamation on National Lung Cancer Awareness Month, 2024 here.”
“November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. My life has been made richer through all the wonderful people in this community, and I am grateful for the many research advances that are improving and extending lives. But our work is far from over.”
“It’s a fact that detecting lung cancer earlier saves lives.
When it’s detected earlier, there are more treatment options that provide better outcomes.
Our report ‘Increasing the earlier detection of lung cancer: a toolbox for change’ presents strategies that policymakers can use to prioritise early detection in their health systems.
The approaches and tools explored in the report are supported by expert interviews, case studies and policy-level recommendations. These aim to facilitate the development of earlier-detection strategies that are tailored to local epidemiology, health system capacity and resources.”
Read the report here.”
“November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Lung Cancer Awareness SAVES LIVES. Together, United against Lung Cancer. Sharing, like every year, my Awareness Mnemonic.”
“November is lung cancer awareness month Anyone with lungs can get lung cancer! Lung cancer is treatable and screening saves lives!!”
“A lung cancer diagnosis is often unexpected for people with certain oncogene-driven lung cancers. Like for Corrine from Switzerland. When she was diagnosed with stage 4 ALK+ lung cancer, Corrine suddenly found herself out of depths.
But research helps provide a path ahead. She’s on a great targeted therapy and is able to enjoy time with family and friends. It’s time move research into the fast lane for more people like Corinne.”
“November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month!!
Say it with me:
ANYONE with lungs is at risk for lung cancer
NO ONE deserves lung cancer”
“Until 2007, about 1 in 20 lung cancer patients had 1 thing in common but did not know it: an alteration of the ALK gene. Thanks to research, we know about ALK+ lung cancer and can treat it for a longer life expectancy.
Dr Ross Camidge believes More Research More Life.”
IARC:
“Lung cancer is the most common cancer type and the most common cause of cancer death in the world.
IARC estimates ~2.5 million people were diagnosed with Lung Cancer and >1.8 million people died of the disease in 2022.”
“We are happy to kick off Lung Cancer Awareness Month with sharing this national proclamation! Thank you to all who worked so hard to get this proclamation created in time for LCAM.”
NHS:
“Lung cancer is one of the most common and serious types of cancer. Early diagnosis and treatment can save lives. Find more information.”
“Age is not a barrier to lung cancer. While not classified as a juvenile disease, LC can occur in teens & young adults. Like Grayson: diagnosed w ALK+ lung cancer this year at 18. Research is not just for new treatments; it’s about dreams, like Grayon’s.”
“November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. To show your support, we at WTS encourage you to snap pics of yourself wearing white. Remember to tag Women in Thoracic Surgery and #WTSWearsWhiteforLC․”
“November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month Lung cancer remains Number 1 cause of cancer death for both men and women in the U.S with an estimated 59,280 women and 65,790 men lost in 2024 alone. Join us this month as we honor those impacted and work together to reduce lives lost to lung cancer.”
“Did you know? Lung cancer is the most common cancer worldwide. With your help, the Cancer Research Institute can continue to fund lifesaving cancer immunotherapy research, and revolutionize the way lung cancer is treated, forever. Make a gift today, during November’s Lung Cancer Awareness Month, to support groundbreaking lung cancer research.”
American Cancer Society National Lung Cancer Roundtable (ACS NLCRT):
“November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. At the American Cancer Society National Lung Cancer Roundtable, we believe that by working collaboratively, we can drive faster and more effective progress in reducing lung cancer mortality.
The ACSNLCRT unites over 220 member organizations, harnessing the power of partnership to advance our mission to create lung cancer survivors and lower the impact of lung cancer through prevention, early detection, and optimal therapy.
As we look ahead to the third annual National Lung Cancer Screening Day on November 9th, we invite you to join us in raising awareness, sharing resources, and advocating for initiatives that promote lung cancer prevention, early detection, and access to care this month.
To learn more about our work, including how you can get involved in raising awareness for LCS Day 2024, visit our website today: www.nlcrt.org.”
“In honor of Lung Cancer Awareness Month, access the strategic plan of the American Cancer National Lung Cancer Roundtable. This special series of papers from ACS NLCRT covers screening, staging, shared decision-making, and more.”
“During lung cancer awareness month, the entire Thoracic Surgery Division at BCM Surgery and The Lung Institute at Baylor Medicine wears white for lung cancer awareness and wears pearls to remember those we have lost to lung cancer
Women in Thoracic Surgery and #WTSWearsWhiteforLC.”
“The coincidence of it being the first day of Lung Cancer Awareness Month and my 25th MRI and 32nd PET scans today isn’t lost on me.
This is an important month to raise awareness that it isn’t just smoking that causes cancer. As a nation we are far too judgemental when we hear of someone getting lung cancer, assuming they must smoke and therefore brought it on themselves. This isn’t the reality.
Science has taught us that lung cancer is in truth a group of diseases and that it can be in fact be caused by having lungs. Yes, anyone with lungs can get lung cancer.
Scary isn’t it? Even more scary is the fact that lung cancer has the highest mortality rate but has the least funding for research into treatments and a cure for all cancers.
We need to change this. Why do people have more empathy for breast cancer sufferers? We should treat all cancer patients the same because no-one deserves cancer. And now you know you only need lungs to get lung cancer, maybe that changes your attitude?
Visit allyouneedislungs.org.uk to find out more.”
“Quick trip to San Francisco to kick off lung cancer awareness month by attending the Go2 for Lung Cancer Simply the Best Gala. Over 300 advocates, parents, care partners and industry professionals gathered to raise critical funds for research.
Some brief lung cancer facts:
– Nearly 235,000 people are anticipated to be diagnosed with lung cancer in the US in 2024.
– In Pennsylvania in 2023, 11,200 people were diagnosed with lung cancer and 5,570 died of the disease.
– Although lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, it receives the least amount of federal research funding.
– Women who never smoked are more than twice as likely to get lung cancer as men who never smoked.
More must be done and national organizations like Go2 for Lung Cancer and Lung Cancer Research Foundation continue drive advancements in research and awareness. At Libby’s Lungs we continue to try and do our part by having raised over $375,000 to support women and lung cancer research and patient support services. Thank you everyone who have supported our efforts.”
“Kicking off Lung Cancer Awareness Month for the first time in the heart of Israel, at Tel Aviv’s Dizengoff Square, with our incredible team and volunteers. Lung cancer screening saves lives – and we definitely saved some today!”
“Lung Cancer Awareness Month: Why Early Detection Saved My Life and Could Save Yours November marks Lung Cancer Awareness Month, and as someone who has
November marks Lung Cancer Awareness Month, and as someone who has walked through the storm of cancer, I feel compelled to share my story—not just for me, but for the millions of others who are at risk every single day. Lung cancer is often called the “silent killer,” but this month, let’s break that silence and shine a light on the disease that affects so many lives.
Did you know that lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide? Yet, it’s often detected too late. That’s exactly what almost happened to me.
The Diagnosis I Never Saw Coming
In July 2023, I was diagnosed with Stage 3A lung cancer, and the most shocking part of that diagnosis? I had no symptoms.
Not a single one. No persistent cough. No shortness of breath. Nothing.
On the first day of my new job, I received the call that would change my life forever. A routine screening revealed a spot on my lung that led to my diagnosis. I hadn’t been a smoker for years, but a 35-year history was enough to put me at risk. What saved my life was early detection, driven by the grace of God.
Who is Really at Risk?
It’s time to confront the stigma around lung cancer. Too many people think it’s a smoker’s disease, but that’s not the full picture. Yes, smoking is a major risk factor, but non-smokers are not immune. People who quit smoking years ago, those exposed to secondhand smoke, and even those with environmental exposures can develop lung cancer.
In my case, it was an EGFR mutation, not smoking, that led to my cancer diagnosis. Lung cancer can happen to anyone, and early screening is the only way to catch it before it’s too late.
Why Early Detection is Everything
Lung cancer is often detected in its late stages, making it more difficult to treat. But if caught early, the odds of survival drastically improve. Low-dose CT scans are a game-changer in early detection. This simple, non-invasive screening can detect lung cancer long before any symptoms appear, just like it did for me.
If I hadn’t gone for that screening, my story might be very different.
How You Can Take Action This November
This November, let’s take action together:
- Get Screened: If you’re over 50 and have a history of smoking or exposure to environmental risks, talk to your doctor about getting a low-dose CT scan. Early detection can save your life.
- Spread Awareness: Share the facts about lung cancer with your network. The more we talk about it, the more we break down the stigma and encourage others to get screened.
- Support Lung Cancer Research: Donate to organizations that are funding groundbreaking research. Every dollar helps bring us closer to better treatments and, one day, a cure.
A Future of Hope
Lung cancer is not a death sentence, and I am living proof of that. Early detection gave me time—time to fight, time to heal, and time to spread awareness. As we observe Lung Cancer Awareness Month, let’s raise our voices, encourage screenings, and remember that hope is alive.
Whether you’ve been directly impacted by lung cancer or know someone who has, let’s use November as a powerful reminder that awareness and action save lives.
Together, we can make a difference.”
“November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month.
As many of you know, my beloved Dad passed away from lung cancer in January 2022. He was a never-smoker who devoted his life to his family, his patients, and his medical students. He was diagnosed with stage-four lung cancer in October 2021, just months before we lost him.
This November, please take a moment to learn about lung cancer’s signs and symptoms and consider getting screened if you’re at risk. It’s a common misconception that only smokers are affected—never-smokers make up almost 20% of lung cancer patients. Exposure to radon and smoking remain significant risk factors.
My Dad’s passing left an irreplaceable void in our family that still feels painfully raw nearly three years later. He is deeply loved, profoundly missed, and should still be with us.”
“The white lung cancer ribbon is more than a symbol—it’s a statement against stigma and an urgent reminder of the impact of this often-misunderstood disease. Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, yet it receives far less attention than other cancers.
Wearing the white ribbon helps amplify the voices of those affected, promoting awareness, early detection, and the importance of research. It’s especially crucial for dismantling the misconception that lung cancer is a ‘smoker’s disease,’ as over half of current cases are in former smokers or individuals who have never smoked.
Each November during Lung Cancer Awareness Month, the white ribbon encourages unity, support, and open discussions, illuminating early symptoms such as persistent cough, shortness of breath, and unintended weight loss. Efforts driven by awareness organisations, including The White Ribbon Project, also help fund research into advanced treatments like targeted therapies and immunotherapies, which are transforming survival outcomes.
For families and individuals, the white ribbon serves as both a beacon of hope and a reminder that, through collective effort and compassion, we can push for change and support those facing lung cancer every day.”
More posts featuring Lung Cancer
Further Reading:
Immunotherapy for Lung Cancer: Patient Version
Large Cell Lung Carcinoma: What patients should know about
-
ASCO Annual Meeting
May 30 - June 4, 2024
-
Yvonne Award 2024
May 31, 2024
-
OncoThon 2024, Online
Feb. 15, 2024
-
Global Summit on War & Cancer 2023, Online
Dec. 14-16, 2023