This time of year, I remember to give thanks for my faith, my family and friends and my health. Recently, I learned that lung cancer is the deadliest form of cancer in the United States; in fact, more Americans die each year from lung cancer than any other type of cancer. One in 13 men and one in 16 women will develop the disease in their lifetime. It’s important to learn about lung cancer and to take steps towards lung cancer prevention like committing to live a tobacco-free, healthy life, avoiding second hand smoke and minimizing your risks whenever possible.
It is estimated that 221,200 people will be diagnosed with lung cancer and nearly 158,040 will die of the disease this year. In the state of Tennessee alone it is estimated that 6,200 new cases of lung cancer will be diagnosed and there will be an estimated 4,600 deaths from it in 2015.
Tobacco use is responsible for nearly one in five deaths and lung cancer accounts for 27 percent of all cancer deaths in the United States. These are troubling statistics, but more importantly they represent the lives of real human beings. If you use tobacco, it is not too late to turn your health around. It is never too late to quit smoking and to start living a healthier lifestyle. Lives can and will be saved from stopping tobacco use and taking cancer prevention steps. It can be hard to change habits, so reach out to your friends, family, health care professionals and online resources to get the support that you need.
Further, we should all be aware of our cancer risk because even nonsmokers can be diagnosed with lung cancer. About 7,000 nonsmoking adults die of lung cancer as a result of breathing secondhand smoke each year. Environmental factors including exposure to: indoor and outdoor air pollution; toxic substances such as asbestos, arsenic or radon; and radiation can also put non-smokers at risk. Additionally, genetic susceptibility and a family history of lung cancer can also raise one’s risk of developing the disease.
The good news is that there is a screening test available for those at high risk of developing lung cancer and as of February 5, certain Medicare recipients gained coverage for the annual benefit. Specifically, the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has recommended annual screening for lung cancer with low-dose spiral computed tomography (LDCT) scans in adults aged 55 to 80 who have a 30 pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years. LDCT scans have enabled radiologists to accurately diagnose and treat early stage lung cancer and save more lives. Talk to your health care professional about screening options to determine what is best for you.
The most effective way to reduce your risk for lung cancer is available to all of us right now. Live a tobacco free life. Don’t smoke. If you do smoke, take steps now to quit. Find support. Avoid second hand smoke. Help to keep your home, workplace and public spaces tobacco free. By eliminating tobacco use or exposure to secondhand smoke, and being aware of other risk factors you can dramatically decrease your risk of lung cancer.
Although lung cancer is a devastating disease, we have more information and tools to prevent, detect and treat it than ever before. It’s important to be your own best advocate as well as work to protect and promote the health of your family and community. To learn more about lung cancer prevention and early detection, visit preventcancer.org.
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Brenda Fleischmann is the spouse of Representative Chuck Fleischmann and is a member of the Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program of the Prevent Cancer Foundation.