The Vital Role of Public Health in Lung Cancer

I’m not sure if many understand the importance of public health, but it is a huge and necessary need, especially when we speak of lung cancer. Let’s face it the misconception about this cancer automatically deems it a “smokers’ cancer”. Though there is statistical information that sheds light on the non-smoker experience as well. So, where and how does public health play a role in clarifying it all?

What public health means

Clearly put, public health is simply educating the public and helping to improve all populations. It can be a battle at times because the chain of information may vary when we break it down to those in urban and rural communities. Have you ever received pamphlets or literature providing details on lung cancer at your doctor’s office? Or have you seen campaigns chiming on lung cancer and care? Well, some of these methods may be the helping hands of the public health sector in educating patients and the public.

How public health helps you

So how can public health be used to your benefit? There are three supposed ideas to consider when viewing public health and whether or not the message is in fact clear: Assessment, Policy, and Assurance. Let’s look at an example of each.

Assessment

Assessment would be reviewing cases of lung cancer within the community based on an array of comparisons or questions. When asked to be part of a lung cancer health study, this would be considered an important public health tool. It’s always a benefit to have your voice heard, with more numbers proving the need to highlight this community.

Policy

Policy is important as it sheds a light on the face and story, and pushes the needle in seeking policy for lung cancer. Your experience as a care partner can help spread the conversation on lung cancer advocacy. How effective is the patient’s story in sharing their experiences? It’s beneficial to push officials in assuring that laws and plans are in motion to accomplish positive developments (such as new treatments, community outreach, etc.).

Assurance

Now that the means of educating is out there, it’s important that this community is aware of the work and actions that have been put in place. It’s important that public health takes a role in organizing creatively and effectively a roll-out that everyone, especially the underserved communities can refer to.

Resources and awareness are key

In a nut-shell we want a service that is helping to do their part for those that are unaware of resources. Now with that stated it’s necessary to be out and about when educating the public, as many are not aware of the free and available services that are at their convenience. It’s easy to believe that you’re alone but the resources are there, and representatives along with vocal advocates try their hardest to keep the conversation and fight going. Be blessed!

The time to fight is now, with integrity, grace, hope, and a smile….when you feel like it.