World Lung Cancer Day 01 August 2024 | Theme, History, Importance

Every year, World Lung Cancer Day is celebrated on 01 August to create awareness and educate people worldwide about the concerning issues of lung cancer and raise the urge to focus more on lung cancer research and arrange financial and moral support for it.

Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, accounting for 18 lakhs of patient mortality worldwide, i.e. 20% of total cancer mortality. It is also one of the common cancers in the Male population in developing countries.

It's a type of cancer that begins in the lungs and most often occurs in people who smoke (both in smokers and in people exposed to second-hand smoke) though lung cancer can also occur in people who have never smoked. Lung cancer often doesn't cause signs and symptoms in its earliest stages. Lung cancer signs and symptoms typically occur when the disease is advanced stage.

Risk factors of Lung Cancer

These are some risk factors for Lung Cancer

• Smoking, including passive smoking,
• Exposure to radiation therapy, radon gas, asbestos and other carcinogens
• Family history
• Old age population
• Obesity
• Alcohol abuse
• Viral infections (HPV)

World Lung Cancer Day 2024 Theme

This year, 2024, the World Lung Cancer Day theme is “Stronger Together: United for Lung Cancer Awareness”. This theme emphasizes the significance of togetherness and cooperation in the battle against lung cancer.

Year By Year Themes for World Lung Cancer Day

• World Lung Cancer Day Theme 2023: A breath of prevention is better than expectation on long-term survival.
• World Lung Cancer Day Theme 2022: A Breath of Prevention is Better than Expectation in Long Term Survival
• World Lung Cancer Day Theme 2021: Care for Your Lungs
• World Lung Cancer Day Theme 2020: Respiratory infections
  

History of World Lung Cancer Day

The campaign for lung cancer and related issues first came into the limelight in 2012, which was organized by the Forum of International Respiratory Societies in collaboration with the International Association for the study of Lung Cancer and the American College of Chest Physicians. The World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC) is the most prominent organization in the world solely dedicated to only lung cancer-related problems and educating people about it.

The campaign was started keeping in view for both the recovered and those diagnosed with lung cancer to provide education on how to tackle the issues related to lung cancer. The main objective was to let people know the leading causes of lung cancer and educate people about its preventive measures.

Measures to prevent lung cancer

Quitting tobacco is one of the primary measures to prevent lung cancer. In addition, the following are the other measures do help:

• Limiting exposure to cancer-causing agents (nickel, arsenic, asbestos, etc.)
• Avoiding second-hand smoke (inhaling burning tobacco products)
• Limiting exposure to high-energy radiations (X-rays and gamma rays)
• Exercising regularly
• Reducing the risk of HIV infection
• Consuming balanced diet
• Avoiding inhalation of domestic wood smoke

Department of Pulmonology