According to National Lung Cancer Partnership, approximately 213,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed each year with lung cancer, with over 160,000 people dying from it each year, more people than breast, colon, and prostate cancer deaths combined. The National Cancer Institute estimates in 2008, there will be 215,020 new cases of lung cancer and 161,840 deaths. While there have been great strides in the area of lung cancer research, progress in new treatments still need to be made.
Why Do So Many People Die from Lung Cancer?
The biggest issue impacting lung cancer research is lack of funding. The National Lung Cancer Partnership states that in 2006, the National Cancer Institute spent only $1,638 per lung cancer death, while NCI spent $13,519 per breast cancer death, $11,298 per prostate cancer death, and $4,588 per colorectal cancer death. While the Department of Defense has funded research for breast, ovarian, prostate cancers, and other diseases since the 1990s, 2009 will be the first year that the DOD will fund lung cancer research.
Do Lung Cancer Victims Cause Their Own Disease?
While it's sometimes easier to blame the victim, statistics show that those who develop lung cancer aren't always smokers. Approximately 10 to 15 percent (between 20,000 to 30,000) of lung cancer cases are in people who have never smoked and nearly 50 percent of all lung cancer patients are former smokers. Many lung cancer victims started smoking many years ago before the warnings from the Surgeon General about the dangers of smoking were so widely known, and when they try to quit, they find that a nicotine addiction is just as severe as a heroin addiction.
The unjust blame of lung cancer victims for having brought on their disease has led to those diagnosed with lung cancer feeling stigmatized by society. For many victims, this has led to a breakdown in relationships with peers, family members, and their doctors, those who can help them the most. No one ever deserves to get lung cancer. Lung cancer victims need more advocates speaking out for them, instead of against them, to bring societal awareness to the facts surrounding lung cancer.
Ways to Help in the Fight Against Lung Cancer
There are many ways to become involved and raise awareness of lung cancer issues:
- Sign NLCP's online petition which urges Congress to increase lung cancer research funding.
- Write letters to congressional representatives asking for their help in obtaining more federal funds for lung cancer research.
- Organize a Free to Breathe™ program including a run/walk, bike ride, bake sale, silent auction, or other event to raise awareness.
- Make a donation to NLCP, the American Cancer Society, the American Lung Association or the Lung Cancer Alliance.
- Distribute brochures at local hospitals and events from the NLCP, the Lung Cancer Alliance or any other cancer program that supports lung cancer patients and research.
- Purchase items for yourself or family members through any lung cancer advocacy program.
While November is Lung Cancer Awareness month, any time of year is a great time to get involved and help in the fight against lung cancer.
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