World Lung Cancer Day is held every year on 1st August, and it usually plays a general role in raising awareness, usually with a different theme each year.
It’s not the only event to put lung cancer in the spotlight each year. November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, where a whole host of events are organized around the world to increase general understanding of lung cancer and raise funds for continued research into the condition. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the world today and is still diagnosed at an early stage. Difficult That’s why initiatives like World Lung Cancer Day are so important.
Abnormal cells develop in one or both lungs and then they form tumors that affect the normal functioning of the organ. About 80% of lung cancer deaths are thought to be related to smoking. The incidence of the disease has decreased in recent years because fewer people smoke.
Most people diagnosed with lung cancer are elderly, over the age of 65. For men, the risk of developing lung cancer is 1 in 15, and for women, 1 in 17. In the United States, only 16% of cases are diagnosed early, and 50% of people with lung cancer die within a year of their diagnosis. Lung cancer is one of the most devastating diseases in the world today.
Events like Lung Cancer Awareness Day not only give people important information about what symptoms to look out for, but they also highlight advances in research and improvements made in diagnosis and treatment options.
You may read World Cancer Day 2023
History of World Lung Cancer Day
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death in men. Most people are affected by lung cancer mainly due to chronic smoking. And relatively men smoke more than women. As a result, most of the men were affected by lung cancer. For 150 years, most people were not even aware of the name of this disease. This disease was very rare then. Nineteenth-century doctors first described lung cancer.
Earlier it was seen that 1% or 2% of the total population was affected by lung cancer. But it is gradually increasing as men smoke more heavily now than ever before, according to scientists. Lung cancer can be caused by many other reasons such as lung cancer can be caused by polluted air or people can be affected with lung cancer due to the gas that is increased during the world war. But most are affected only because of smoking. Most people are aware of the fact that smoking is harmful to health, yet many people smoke excessively.
In the 1940s and 1950s, evidence was given of how smoking is linked to lung cancer, showing the terrible effects of nicotine and tobacco and just how harmful these substances really are to the lungs. There are now many modern systems around the world to promote smoking cessation. Many people are trying their best to quit smoking, as a result of which the number of patients with lung cancer is slowly decreasing.
The main objective of World Lung Cancer Day is to raise awareness among people. In 2012, the first world lung cancer day awareness campaign took place. A drive to study lung cancer was organized by the Forum of International Respiratory Societies in collaboration with the International Association and the American College of Chest Physicians. World Conference on Lung Cancer educates people about lung cancer and is one of the most prominent organizations educate people about lung cancer. By observing these days, we can know the problems related to lung cancer and how we can deal with this problem and how we can prevent lung cancer.
Significance of World Lung Cancer Day
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), lung cancer kills about one in five people. Although lung cancer and breast cancer are diagnosed at similar rates (11.6 percent), lung cancer kills more people annually than breast, colon, and prostate cancers. Lung cancer deaths are projected to reach 2.45 million by 2030, a 39 percent increase over the past decade. The survival rate of lung cancer is also considered to be the lowest and therefore taking all measures to prevent it is the best way.
For this, one needs to guide and create awareness and promote which is the main objective of observing this important day. It encourages people to adopt a better lifestyle to prevent this dangerous disease. Most people die from cancer because of a lack of awareness. Many of us do not know the symptoms of lung cancer or are not aware of this cancer.
As a result, the cancer was diagnosed in the last stage. Many dies as a result of being diagnosed with late-stage cancer. So, awareness should be the priority. People who have recovered from it can make others aware of the cause and thus contribute to the fight against lung cancer.
How to celebrate World Lung Cancer Day?
In the United States, only 16% of cases are diagnosed early and 50% of people with lung cancer die within a year of their diagnosis. Men who smoke are 23 times more likely to develop lung cancer than men who have never smoked. Women are 13 times more likely. Non-smokers who are regularly exposed to second-hand smoke at work or home are up to 30% more likely to develop lung cancer.
Exposure to environmental toxins such as asbestos means you are five times more likely to develop lung cancer. If you smoke and are exposed to asbestos, this increases your risk by 50 times. The purpose of Phosphorus Cancer Day is to create awareness and ensure that people check themselves out as soon as possible and to highlight the advances in lung cancer treatment.
If cancer is caught in the early stages, it is possible to get rid of it. Now medical science is much more advanced. Early-stage cancer can be cured with treatment. Therefore, World Lung Cancer Day is observed on 1st August every year. Let’s know some ways to celebrate World Lung Cancer Day-
Develop healthy habits
One of the causes of lung cancer is smoking. Men are more likely to smoke than women, so men are more likely to be affected by this cancer. Lung cancer eventually spreads throughout the body and causes death. Smoking is harmful to health. So, try to quit smoking. There are many medicines available in the market now that make it easy to develop the habit of quitting smoking. Take the pledge to quit smoking today on World Lung Cancer Day.
Try to wear a mask when going outside. So that no harmful gases from outside can directly enter your lungs. By developing good habits, we can get rid of many diseases. Carelessness is the most common cause of cancer. And cancer is such a disease that death is certain if it is caught in its late stages. The first way to prevent any disease is to make yourself aware. So, develop a healthy habit and quit smoking.
Screening
Many of us do not know the symptoms of lung cancer. Therefore, even after being infected, the disease cannot be identified, as a result of which the disease is diagnosed at the last stage and death is certain. So everyone should get a checkup. Terrible diseases can take root in our bodies at any time. Everyone should have a full body checkup. Since we are not easily aware of these diseases, the best way is to get screened at least once a year. Lung cancer screening can give us peace of mind. So get screened today on World Lung Cancer Day.
Share your story
If you are a cancer fighter, share your story with others. Cancer patients are always very weak mentally. When they know of their horror they think that they will not live anymore. However, medical science is so advanced now that any disease can be cured if it is caught in the early stages. Some of your words can easily motivate others. Many people with cancer have recovered from cancer with medical help. If you are one of them, share your journey today on World Lung Cancer Day. This will give courage to other cancer sufferers in life. And will be assured of survival.
Causes of Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers that start in the lungs. Lungs are two important organs present inside your chest that bring in oxygen during inhalation and release carbon dioxide during exhalation. Lung cancer is an alarmingly increasing cause of death worldwide, in both women and men. Lung cancer is caused by abnormal cells present in one or both lungs that multiply over time at a very rapid rate, thereby affecting healthy tissue.
The development usually begins in cells that restrict the air passages. When these abnormal cells grow rapidly, your resulting malignant tumors become dangerous and life-threatening. Lung cancer is most common in patients over 60 years of age. The main cause of lung cancer is tobacco use. 90% of people who smoke two to three packs of cigarettes per day and continue smoking for 20 to 30 years are at risk of developing lung cancer.
Another major cause is exposure to the naturally occurring radioactive gas, radon. Radon can even enter through small cracks present in the foundation. Heavy smokers and people exposed to radon are at increased risk of developing lung cancer. Exposure to hazardous chemicals, especially over long periods, can also cause lung cancer. Mesothelioma is a type of lung cancer caused by exposure to asbestos.
Symptoms of Lung Cancer
One of the most important organs of our body is the lungs. And the most dangerous infection of this important organ that works for breathing is cancer. Lung cancer has become the most deadly in the world today, says the World Health Organization.
But many of us ignore the symptoms of lung cancer. Again, lung cancer symptoms may not always appear in the early stages. But the sooner you catch lung cancer, the easier it is to treat. So know today that signs of lung cancer can be understood –
- Voice change
If the throat sounds hoarse or hoarse even when speaking normally, it can be a sign of lung cancer. After cancer cells originate in the lungs, they invade the vocal cords, or vocal tract, along with other parts of the respiratory system. As a result, the tone of the voice changes.
- Chronic respiratory infections
If you have a bacterial cough, cold, bronchitis, or pneumonia and it does not get better after taking medicine, it is an early symptom of lung cancer. Lung cancer weakens the breathing mechanism which leads to this type of infection.
- Chest pain
Gastritis, fatigue, anemia, and stress can cause chest pain due to many reasons. If there is severe pain when breathing or chest pain when laughing or coughing, it can be an early symptom of lung cancer.
- Persistent tiredness or fatigue
A busy life can lead to feeling tired and weak. Apart from this, fatigue can also occur due to nutritional deficiency and stress. But persistent fatigue, which is prolonged and interferes with daily activities, may be a sign of lung or other cancer.
- Constant cough
Cough can be a symptom of some common diseases like allergies, colds, and flu. As a result, people may not worry too much if they cough. But if you have a cough for more than two months and it does not get better after taking medicine, it is a sign of lung cancer.
- Rusty phlegm
If the color of the sputum is rusty or reddish, it should be understood that blood is coming out of the sputum. This is also an early symptom of lung cancer.
- Nervous system problems
Some parts of the brain are connected to the lungs. Connections are also made through the veins of the brain. As a result, lung cancer also affects the brain. Difficulty getting up from sitting, weakness of shoulder muscles, etc. are associated with lung cancer.
- Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia is the growth of extra breast tissue in men and almost as large breasts as in women. Hormonal imbalance and heredity can also cause this problem. However, it can also be an early symptom of lung cancer. Because the lungs are near the breast tissue, they can also damage the breast tissue. And this symptom is more pronounced in men.
- Weakness of the eyelids
If cancer spreads to the upper part of the lung, the eyelids become weak. Because the nerves of that part of the lungs are connected with the nerves of the eyelids. As a result, eyelid weakness is also an early symptom of lung cancer.
Treatment methods for lung cancer
The body’s immune system is strengthened through immunotherapy. Which helps to build resistance against cancer. If diagnosed at an early stage, only the tumor and adjacent parts can be removed surgically. However, in many cases, the entire lung or part of it needs to be removed. Surgical procedures include lobectomy, pneumonectomy, lymphadenectomy, etc. Radiation usually involves the use of high-energy X-rays and other radiation.
Cancer cells are destroyed by the use of drugs in chemotherapy. However, side effects of chemotherapy may include weakness, nausea, hair loss, diarrhea, mouth sores, etc. There is no substitute for awareness to prevent lung cancer. For this, proper eating habits should be developed, and fresh fruits and vegetables should be kept on the food list regularly. Foods that are high in carotenoids and sulforaphane such as carrots, oranges, capsicum, cabbage, and broccoli help in building immunity against cancer.
However, the most effective way to prevent lung cancer is to stop smoking and avoid tobacco use. Even staying near smokers should be avoided. It is important to reduce black smoke emissions from industries and vehicles to acceptable levels. It is also wise to avoid various chemicals like chromium, cadmium, asbestos, etc. Again, lung cancer can appear in the affected area of the lung after healing of lung inflammation diseases such as tuberculosis, and pneumonia. So, it is necessary to be as careful as possible in this regard.
If a person over the age of 50 has used more than 20 cigarettes per day for more than 30 years. Then they should be screened for lung cancer. If the disease is caught at an early stage, the mortality rate can be greatly reduced through treatment. Lung safety is largely in your own hands.
World Lung Cancer Day Quotes
We all know cancer is a deadly disease. Many people die of cancer every year in the world. Many recovers from cancer. Cancer can be prevented with proper treatment. There are many types of cancer among which lung cancer is one. The main cause of lung cancer is the entry of unhealthy smoke into the lungs. But many of us do not know or appreciate lung cancer. Every part of the body is very important.
We all should know about the symptoms of cancer and how to prevent it. Terrible diseases can take root in the body at any time. Cancer patients are most vulnerable mentally which affects their bodies as well. But many have come back from the face of death due to cancer. Many of them share their experiences in life. Some of these quotes are presented to you for World Lung Cancer Day-
- “Cancer is a journey, but you walk the road alone. There are many places to stop along the way and get nourishment — you just have to be willing to take it.” — Emily Hollenberg
- “Cancer can take away all of my physical abilities. It cannot touch my mind, it cannot touch my heart, and it cannot touch my soul.” — Jim Valvano
- “I am not this hair, I am not this skin, I am the soul that lives within.” — Rumi
- “You can be a victim of cancer or a survivor of cancer. It’s a mindset.” — Dave Pelzer
- “Never be ashamed of a scar. It simply means you were stronger than whatever tried to hurt you.” — Unknown
- “There’s no one way to tell how our experiences change us or shape us. Not all transformations are visible. What I’ve learned is to never let it hold me back. I’d rather dress up and show up!” -Sonali Bendre
- “Cancer is a marathon – you can’t look at the finish line. You take it moment by moment, sometimes breath by breath, other times step by step.” – Sarah Betz Bucciero.
World Lung Cancer Day Status
Prevention is better than cure. So, we all should be aware of cancer. And to be self-aware as well as to make others aware. Cancer is a deadly disease. Cancer is treatable and curable if caught on time. Most people die of cancer because they miss the symptoms of cancer and fail to diagnose cancer at the right time. Due to this he/she died prematurely.
The main objective of World Lung Cancer Day is to raise awareness among people and highlight the advancements in medical science. You also participate in this special day to raise awareness. Share status on your social media account. Be aware of yourself as well as others on World Lung Cancer Day-
- Let us conquer fear. We do our best to prevent cancer without fearing it. Then the number of affected people will be reduced to a great extent. And seeing us, others will also be aware. World Lung Cancer Day to all.
- No part of the body should be underestimated. A terrible accident can happen at any time. So we all should get our bodies checked up. Through the checkup of each organ, we can easily determine if there is any disease in our body. On World Lung Cancer Day, let’s take a pledge to do a body checkup
- Let us be the emotional support of cancer sufferers. Cancer sufferers become mentally weak and find themselves in depression. We should give courage to these people. Cancer can be cured. So let’s stand with people affected by cancer today on World Lung Cancer Day.
FAQ about World Lung Cancer Day
What is the date of World Lung Cancer Day?
1 August.
Is there any Cancer Day?
Yes, World Cancer Day. 4 February. Source-Wikipedia.
The risk of contracting this terrible disease can be avoided to a large extent if some rules are carefully followed. So, on World Lung Cancer Day, make yourself and those around you aware of the dreaded disease through awareness – only then can you pass on a happy, prosperous, healthy life to future generations.
