World Lung Cancer Day - August 1, 2022
Lung cancer continues to be one of the most common cancers worldwide, claiming more lives yearly than breast, colon, and prostate cancers combined. It is estimated that lung cancer accounts for nearly one in five cancer deaths globally. To beat back the occurrences of lung cancer, people around the world observe World Lung Cancer Day in August of each year. The mission is simple – raising as much awareness of lung cancer as possible and encouraging people to screen themselves for it.
History of World Lung Cancer Day
First described by doctors in the early 19th century, lung cancer was an extremely rare disease for a very long time. Some 150 years ago, people had only heard of this disease, and studies showed that less than 1% to 2% of the population was afflicted. Cut to the next century, and the scenario changed completely. While still rare in the early part of the 20th century, by the end, it became the leading cause of male cancer-related deaths in more than 25 countries.
No one knew how this happened and what caused this dramatic rise. A scientifically significant handbook written in the 1930s — the Springer Handbook of Special Pathology — postulated that this rise could be a direct result of the increasingly polluted air, greater frequency of traffic, and even an increased exposure to gasses during World War I. But this handbook, like many others, could not explain why lung cancer rose in countries without any of the above factors. Smoking was also suspected to be a factor, but no particular importance was given to studying this theory. Only when studies conducted in the 1940s and ’50s showed hard evidence linking lung cancer to smoking did people realize the ill effects of nicotine and tobacco.
As smoking was now a recognized cause of lung cancer, many people globally did their best to quit this habit, and this widespread movement saw a gradual decline in lung cancer incidence, at least in males. Unfortunately for the world, lung cancer does not have only one cause. Long-term exposure (via air) to all carcinogenic materials — radon gas, uranium, and asbestos — also affects lung cancer development. By the 21st century, lung cancer-related ailments were common and quickly displaced other forms of cancer on the mortality charts. With this upward trend came an increased awareness of lung cancers and their causes. Days and events contribute to lung cancer research and awareness activities.
Lung Cancer by the Numbers
- The leading cause of cancer death worldwide, the Lung Cancer Research Foundation estimates that 236,740 people will be diagnosed with lung cancer in 2022 in the US alone.
- 1 in 16 people will be diagnosed with lung cancer in their lifetime – 1 in 15 men and 1 in 17 women.
- Lung cancer kills almost 3 times as many men as prostate cancer and three times as many women as breast cancer.
- Approximately 130,180 Americans succumb to the disease each year.
- There is hope – the number of new lung cancer diagnoses is declining steadily. From 2009-2018, the incidence rate decreased by 2.8% per year in men and 1.4% per year in women. Lung cancer deaths have been cut in more than half for men and a third for women.
Risk Factors
Smoking is the leading risk factor for lung cancer and is responsible for 80% of lung cancer deaths. People who have never smoked account for 20% of lung cancer deaths. Exposure to radon gas is the second leading risk factor. Other factors include exposure to the following:
- Secondhand smoke
- Asbestos
- Radiation
- Air pollution
- Diesel exhaust
- Certain metals like arsenic, chromium, and cadmium
- Certain organic chemicals
Family history and genetic factors may also play a role in the development of lung cancer. People who have never smoked account for 20% of lung cancer diagnoses. An estimated 47,300 non-smokers will be diagnosed with lung cancer in 2022.
Symptoms
See your doctor if you experience any of the following common symptoms of lung cancer:
- Blood when you cough or spit
- Recurring respiratory infections
- Enduring cough that is new or different
- Ache or pain in the shoulder, back, or chest
- Trouble breathing
- Hoarseness or wheezing
- Exhaustion, weakness, or loss of appetite
Other symptoms may also include:
- Swelling in the neck and face
- Difficulty swallowing
- Weight loss
Screening
Early detection of high-risk lung cancer cases can reduce the chance of death by up to 20%. If you smoke now or have in the past, ask your doctor if lung cancer screening may be right for you. Approximately 8 million Americans are at high risk for lung cancer and could benefit from screening – yet only 5.7% get screened.
Getting Involved
Join events
Check out what local cancer clinics and medical institutions store for this day. Contribute your way by sharing your knowledge of this day and its cause.
Push for Lung Cancer Screening
Know anyone with symptoms of lung cancer? Encourage them to screen for lung cancer, as recommended by experts. Lead by example and make a screening appointment for yourself too.
Adopt Healthy Habits
Avoid smoking, plant more trees around you, get air-purifying houseplants, and help others quit using tobacco products too. Do what you can to make the environment a lung-friendly one for you and your loved ones.
Support Lung Cancer Research
Lung cancer claims more lives each year than breast, pancreatic, and prostate cancer combined – but these three cancers receive an average of three times more research funding per life lost than lung cancer. Research means better treatment options and increased survival. Donate to support lung cancer research.
Sources:
https://www.lungcancerresearchfoundation.org/
https://acsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.3322/caac.21708
American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts and Figures 2022. Atlanta; American Cancer Society: 2022.