Lung Cancer Awareness Month

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among men and women in the United States with an estimated 238,340 people diagnosed with lung cancer in 2023 in the United States. 1 in 16 people will be diagnosed with lung cancer in their lifetime and approximately 356 people each day die of lung cancer. Smoking is the leading risk factor for lung cancer and is responsible for 80% of lung cancer deaths with vaping increasing that risk  Researchers have found that both men and women who smoked and vaped had an increased risk of lung cancer. Exposure to radon gas is the second most common risk factor. 

The symptoms of lung cancer are BREATHE, Blood when coughing, Recurring respiratory infections, Enduring cough, Aching in the shoulder, back or chest, Trouble breathing, Hoarseness, and Exhaustion. Early detection of lung cancer can reduce the chance of death by 20%.