FIVE THINGS YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT LUNG CANCER National Lung Cancer Partnership Shares the Facts

One in 14 Americans will be diagnosed with lung cancer, yet national surveys show few people know basic facts about the disease.

The National Lung Cancer Partnership encourages everyone to learn more about lung cancer, a disease that can affect anyone – young or old, male or female, those who have smoked, quit years ago, or never smoked at all. Here are five things you may not know about lung cancer:

1. New treatments are giving new hope: Organizations like the Partnership are directly funding studies that have led to an explosion in the understanding of lung cancer biology in recent years. As a result, a number of new treatments are available, including personalized treatments based on molecular tumor testing. Continued investment in research can sustain this vital momentum. You can help raise critical funds for lung cancer research by participating in or donating to the Free to Breathe St. Louis Lung Cancer 5K Walk that is taking place in Creve Coeur Park on Oct. 28. Proceeds benefit the Partnership’s research, education and awareness programs. Visit www.FreetoBreathe.org/stlouis for more information.
2. Lung cancer research is underfunded: Over the last 30 years, substantial investment has resulted in significant increases in survival for many diseases, including breast cancer, heart disease and HIV/AIDS. Despite the fact that lung cancer takes more lives than breast, colon and prostate cancers combined, lung cancer research is drastically underfunded, resulting in a five-year survival rate that has not increased in the last three decades. Though organizations, such as the Partnership, are making significant contributions, much more needs to be done. Want to make a difference? Find your congressional representatives at house.gov and senate.gov, and write an email urging them to support increasing funding for lung cancer research.

1. Lung cancer can affect anyone: Nearly half of all people diagnosed with lung cancer have already quit smoking and 10-15 percent have never smoked. If you smoke, it’s never too late to quit. Learn more about programs that can help by visiting www.naquitine.org or www.becomeanex.org, or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW.

1. Exposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer: Nearly one out of every 15 homes in the U.S. is estimated to have elevated levels of radon, a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas. For information about testing your home and reducing exposure to radon, visit www.EPA.gov/radon.

1. Healthy habits can cut your risk: Leading a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk of all cancers, including lung cancer. Make regular exercise a priority. Eat healthy, especially by consuming foods containing flavonoids (apples, blueberries, apricots), cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts) and lots of green salads. Also consider reducing the amount of red and processed meat you eat.  

 “Research, awareness and advocacy have brought about improvements in screening, diagnostics and treatments for other cancers that have led to longer and better lives for patients,” said Regina Vidaver, Ph.D., executive director of the National Lung Cancer Partnership. “This same momentum is building for lung cancer. Together, we can create real change for this disease.”

To find out more about lung cancer and join the movement to increase awareness and research funding, visit www.NationalLungCancerPartnership.org/get-involved.