Celebrated yearly on August 1st, World Lung Cancer Day is a major event aimed at increasing awareness of lung cancer, a disease claiming millions of lives each worldwide. Started by the Forum of International Respiratory Societies along with the American College of Chest Physicians and the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer, this day seeks to inform the public, lower stigma, and advance research and early identification.
Still the primary cause of cancer-related fatalities worldwide, lung cancer ranks higher than breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer taken all together. Though it is somewhat common, knowledge about lung cancer, its symptoms, and the need of early discovery is rather poor. Here is where World Lung Cancer Day is quite important. The day aims to eliminate false information about this fatal disease by encouraging worldwide dialogues and provide a forum for knowledge sharing.
About 85% of lung cancer cases are caused by smoking, so it is the main risk factor. Non-smokes are not immune, though. The disease is also caused in part by elements including workplace risks like asbestos, air pollution, secondhand smoke, and radon gas. This emphasizes the need of thorough public health plans addressing several risk factors outside of smoking cessation.
Medical science has advanced lung cancer diagnosis and therapy to such great degrees. For patients, targeted treatments, immunotherapies, and minimally invasive surgical procedures give hope for better results and enhanced quality of life. Still, early discovery is absolutely vital. Frequent screenings especially for high-risk groups can result in early diagnosis and more successful treatment.
People, groups, and businesses join together on World Lung Cancer Day to celebrate the memories of those who have passed their lives to the disease and assist those afflicted by lung cancer. Awareness-raising activities, fundraising events, and social media campaigns all help much to promote proactive health practices by means of which knowledge is shared.
Engaging in World Lung Cancer Day helps us to support a worldwide fight against lung cancer, advance early diagnosis, and finally save lives. Change starts with awareness, and working together we can change things.