Lung Cancer Awareness Month - November 2024 | Theme, History & Importance

Lung Cancer Awareness Month, a global healthcare event, has been held annually throughout November for the past 27 years (since 1995). Various organisations both global and local, come together during this month to conduct awareness campaigns and activities with the aim to educate people about the disease awareness, need for screening, risk factors, and preventive measures of lung cancer.

Importance of the Lung Cancer Awareness Month (LCAM)

Lung cancer is one of the most serious health concerns that affects both men and women. As per GLOBCAN 2020, lung cancer was reported as the major (18%) cause of cancer related deaths, followed by the second highest with an incidence (new cases) rate of 11.4%. About 22 lakhs cases of lung cancer were reported in 2020, and in the upcoming decade the count is estimated at 29 lakhs. With a reported incidence of 5.5% and a mortality rate (death rate) of 7.8%, lung cancer ranks as the 4th leading cause of cancer-related death in India. If lung cancer is detected when it is small and has not spread, it has a better chance of being cured.

Lung Cancer Awareness Month 2024 Theme

This year, 2024, Lung Cancer Awareness Month Theme is “Stronger Together: United for Lung Cancer Awareness”. This theme highlights the importance of community support and cooperation in the fight against lung cancer.

In 2020, lung cancer ranks as the 4th leading cause of cancer-related death in India with, 66,279 (7.8%) deaths and, 72510 (5.5%) of new cases reported.

Year by year theme of Lung Cancer Awareness Month

• Lung Cancer Awareness Month 2023 theme: Education, Empowerment, and Eradication
• Lung Cancer Awareness Month 2022 theme - A Breath of Prevention
  

Early diagnosis for Lung Cancer 

Depending on the patient’s condition, the diagnosis of lung cancer differs. The oncologist might diagnose lung cancer based on the following:

• Symptoms
• Medical and family history
• Physical examination
• Diagnostic imaging test results (CT scan, PET scan, X ray, MRI, ultrasound and nuclear tests)

Should I need to scan?

Screening for lung cancer is only suggested for those who are at high risk of developing the disease due to their smoking history and age.

• People with an age between 50 and 80 years.
• With smoking history of 20 pack-year (one pack a day for 20 years or two packs a day for 10 years) or more.
• Who are currently smoking or have quitted within the past 15 years.
  

People who receive an early diagnosis have a 13 times greater chance of surviving for five years.

Types of lung cancer

The most common types of lung cancer are those found in the lungs. Other, less common kinds of cancer may develop in the lungs and chest wall.

Most common cancer include:

• Lung nodules
• Non-small cell lung cancer
• Small cell lung cancer
• Mesothelioma

Rare cancer includes

• Mesothelioma tumours
• Carcinoid tumours
• Mediastinal tumours

History of Lung cancer awareness month

November month every year was officially recognised as Lung Cancer Awareness Month, where it raises public consciousness about this deadly disease. It all started with Lung Cancer Awareness Day in 1995. Awareness activities proliferated and eventually evolved into Lung Cancer Awareness Month as the lung cancer community and lung cancer movement flourished.

Risk factors of Lung Cancer

These are some risk factors for Lung Cancer

• Smoking: Smoking tobacco is the most important risk factor for the development of lung cancer, especially in Indians. When compared to females, men have a greater impact.
• Family history: Family history may increase a person’s risk of developing lung cancer. People with a family history of lung cancer are up to twice as likely to have the disease when compared to someone without a family history of lung cancer.
• Second-hand smoke: The risk of acquiring lung cancer is increased not only by smoking oneself but also by being exposed to the smoke of others' cigarettes or other tobacco products being burned or breathed. 
• Occupational exposure: Mesothelioma is a cancer that is directly linked to asbestos exposure. This exposure is also possible for those who have worked in the construction, shipbuilding industries, mining, and similar occupations. In addition to this, other poisons substances including arsenic, nickel, and chromium, as well as tar and soot, can raise the chance of getting lung cancer.
• Environmental exposure: The major environmental exposure is radon, which is a naturally occurring gas that forms in rocks, soil, and water. In people who have never smoked, about 30 percent of deaths caused by lung cancer have been linked to being exposed to radon. 
• Vitamin supplements: Evidence from studies shows that those who smoke one or more packs of cigarettes per day have an increased risk of developing lung cancer if they take beta-carotene supplements. Cigarette smokers who also consume alcohol are at an even greater danger.
• Radiation therapy to the chest: Those who have had chest radiation therapy as a part of cancer treatment and survived are at a greater risk of developing lung cancer.

Preventive health tips for lung cancer

• Don’t start smoking or quit as early as possible.
• Avoid exposure to indoor pollutants that can damage the lungs, such as second-hand smoke, chemicals, and radon.
• Minimize exposure to outdoor air pollution and occupational risks.
• Prevention from a cold or other respiratory infections.
• Get regular check-ups.
• Regular exercise.
• Maintain a nutritious diet.

Department of Pulmonology