Lung Cancer Awareness Month

It’s November and Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Time to raise awareness for lung cancer. It is time to highlight our need for more funding and more research. Also, a time to just be heard.

Let's talk about the statistics

First is knowing the statistics and sharing with others. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2026, there will be about 229,410 new cases of lung cancer in the United States (110,910 in men and 118,500 in women) and about 124,990 deaths from lung cancer (63,040 in men and 61,950 in women).¹

Lung cancer is by far the leading cause of cancer death in the US, making up about 1 in 5 of all cancer deaths. The reality is that more people die of lung cancer each year than of colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined.¹

All it takes is having lungs

Understanding and educating others that it isn’t a smoker's disease. People need to know that anyone with lungs can get lung cancer. The smoking stigma has played a role in hurting funding. One thing to know about the causes of lung cancer is that a family history of lung cancer can be a factor. I know studies have shown a family history of lung cancer puts you at higher risk for developing cancer.

Secondhand smoke, asbestos, and radon are also linked to lung cancer. By the way, you can get a home radon test kit at a reasonable price at your local hardware store.

Another is pollution and arsenic, things you don’t even think of. I am now more aware of the cleaners I use around the house and how pollution can take a heavy toll on our health. To help with early detection people need to be educated that lung cancer isn’t just a smoker's disease.

White ribbons for lung cancer

Wear a lung cancer awareness shirt if you have one to be a conversation starter, also wearing pearls is something I love to do. When someone compliments my necklace, it opens up the opportunity for me to tell why I wear pearls. Or you can just wear white, after all, white is our lung cancer ribbon color.

Share your story

Now, my favorite for bringing awareness to lung cancer...your story! There is nothing more powerful than sharing your lung cancer journey with others. The treatments you’ve endured, the highs and lows. Did you change your eating habits, and exercise routine? What has lung cancer changed in your life?

For me, lung cancer has given me a new family in the lung cancer community. It has opened my eyes to living for today and enjoying each day. One of the first things after my diagnosis I did was I went zip lining, yes at 55! I went on my first cruise a couple of years later. I went horseback riding. It took a stage IV diagnosis to wake me up and truly learn to love and live.

So, whatever your story is tell it. Reading other people's stories about their journeys gave me hope and encouragement to help others as well. You may never know how many people it will help.