November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month
November serves as Lung Cancer Awareness Month, shining a light on the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Responsible for more fatalities than breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers combined, lung cancer impacts thousands of lives each year. The significance of raising awareness, fostering understanding of risk factors, and supporting continued advancements in treatment is greater than ever.
The Statistics Behind Lung Cancer
Lung cancer remains a formidable health challenge, with over 230,000 new diagnoses each year and an annual death toll exceeding 127,000. These figures translate into a stark reality: one in every five cancer deaths in the U.S. is caused by lung cancer. Historically, it has carried a high mortality rate due to late diagnoses and limited treatment options. However, efforts are underway to shift this narrative through public education, early detection, and new medical therapies.
Understanding Risk Factors: The Role of Asbestos Exposure
While smoking is responsible for approximately 85 percent of lung cancer cases, other risk factors play a major role in its development. One of the most noteworthy is asbestos exposure, which has long been associated with both lung cancer and mesothelioma.
Asbestos was widely used for decades in construction, shipbuilding, and various industrial applications due to its heat-resistant and insulating properties. However, the inhalation of asbestos fibers can lead to chronic inflammation and scarring in lung tissue, which may evolve into cancer over time. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned many uses of asbestos in the late 20th century, but its legacy remains dangerous for those who were previously exposed. Today, it is estimated that asbestos exposure contributes to approximately 20,000 lung cancer deaths in the U.S. each year, highlighting the lasting impact of this hazardous material.
Lung Cancer Treatments
For those diagnosed with lung cancer, significant progress in treatment is providing hope and extended survival. Among the most groundbreaking developments in recent years is immunotherapy, a treatment approach designed to boost the body’s immune response against cancer cells. One drug, Keytruda (pembrolizumab), has changed outcomes for many patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer, the most common form of lung cancer.
Keytruda works by targeting specific proteins on cancer cells, blocking their ability to hide from the immune system and allowing the body’s defenses to recognize and attack the cancer. This revolutionary therapy has not only prolonged the lives of many lung cancer patients but has also shown promise for those battling mesothelioma—a challenging disease caused by asbestos exposure. Studies have demonstrated improved outcomes and enhanced quality of life for patients treated with Keytruda, offering hope where traditional therapies have often fallen short.
The evolution of treatment doesn’t stop with immunotherapy. Precision medicine—an approach that tailors treatment to the unique genetic makeup of an individual’s cancer—is gaining traction. By identifying specific genetic mutations and targeting them with appropriate therapies, healthcare providers can offer more effective and personalized care. This, combined with advancements in radiation therapy, surgery, and combination therapies, is creating a multidimensional approach to fighting lung cancer.
The Great American Smokeout: A Cornerstone of Prevention
While treatments and therapies are evolving, prevention remains the most effective strategy against lung cancer. Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of the disease, underscoring the importance of quitting smoking. The Great American Smokeout, observed on the third Thursday of November each year, serves as a timely reminder of this goal. Sponsored by the American Cancer Society, this national event encourages smokers to take the first step toward quitting and offers support and resources to help them succeed.
For many smokers, quitting can seem daunting, but the benefits are well-documented. Just weeks after stopping, lung function begins to improve, and within years, the risk of developing lung cancer and other serious diseases declines significantly. Quitting is a personal journey that often involves a combination of counseling, behavioral therapy, nicotine replacement, and prescription medications. The Great American Smokeout provides a supportive environment and the resources needed to make meaningful progress toward a smoke-free life.
Reducing Exposure to Known Carcinogens
Beyond smoking, lung cancer prevention efforts must also focus on reducing exposure to known carcinogens such as radon gas, secondhand smoke, and industrial substances like asbestos. Regular testing of homes for radon, adhering to safety protocols in high-risk occupations, and implementing workplace regulations to minimize exposure are all critical steps. Raising awareness about these risk factors and promoting regular screenings for those at high risk can lead to earlier detection and improved survival rates.
How You Can Make a Difference During Lung Cancer Awareness Month
There are numerous ways to get involved and support the fight against lung cancer this November:
- Raise Awareness: Share educational materials, wear the lung cancer ribbon (white or pearl), and participate in events to spread knowledge about risk factors, screening options, and treatment breakthroughs.
- Support Research: Donate to organizations focused on lung cancer research or participate in fundraising events. Every contribution helps pave the way for new discoveries and more effective treatments.
- Advocate for Patients: Work to ensure that patients have access to the care they need, including coverage for the latest treatments and support services.
- Promote Healthy Habits: Encourage friends and family members to quit smoking, undergo regular screenings, and reduce their exposure to carcinogens like asbestos and radon.
A Look to the Future
Lung Cancer Awareness Month is a time to reflect on the challenges ahead, celebrate the progress made, and recommit to changing the narrative surrounding this devastating disease. With continued research, innovative treatments, and unwavering public support, we can reduce the impact of lung cancer, improve outcomes for patients, and bring hope to countless families.
If you or a loved one is concerned about lung cancer risks, particularly due to asbestos exposure, Goldberg, Persky & White, P.C. is here to support you. As leaders in asbestos litigation, we understand the dangers and lasting impact of exposure. This Lung Cancer Awareness Month, we emphasize the importance of preventive measures, early detection screenings, and seeking justice for those affected.
