Each November, health experts, hospitals, and advocacy groups unite for Lung Cancer Awareness Month, aiming to raise understanding about one of the world’s most common and deadliest cancers. This year’s campaign places a strong focus on early detection, access to screening, and education about the disease’s risk factors, especially among non-smokers.
A Broader Message: It’s Not Just a Smoker’s Disease
While smoking remains the leading cause of lung cancer, doctors are emphasizing that anyone can develop the disease.
“Lung cancer doesn’t discriminate,” said a Parkview Health oncologist during a recent awareness event. “We’re seeing more cases among non-smokers due to factors like air pollution, radon exposure, and family genetics.”
According to the American Cancer Society, lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, surpassing colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined. In Texas, it’s the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths, underscoring the need for broader education and proactive screening efforts.
Early Detection Saves Lives
Health experts say the most effective way to improve survival rates is through low-dose CT scans, which can identify lung cancer in its earliest, most treatable stages.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) updated its screening guidelines in 2021 to expand eligibility, lowering both the age and smoking history thresholds.
Under the new recommendations, individuals aged 50 to 80 with a 20-pack-year smoking history who currently smoke or quit within the past 15 years should receive annual low-dose CT screenings.
A study published in Radiology found that these updated guidelines could help detect more than 15,000 additional cases of lung cancer in the U.S. each year, potentially saving thousands of lives through earlier intervention.
Local Efforts Making a Difference
In regions like Abilene, Texas, where late-stage diagnoses are more common than the state average, hospitals are stepping up efforts to reach high-risk populations. Hendrick Health has introduced a mobile lung screening unit to bring diagnostic tools directly to rural communities a move designed to overcome barriers such as travel distance and lack of awareness.
Similarly, Parkview Health has been working to expand access to screenings and educational programs, encouraging residents to take symptoms seriously. Persistent coughs, coughing up blood, chest pain, hoarseness, and unexplained weight loss are among the key warning signs that should prompt medical evaluation.
Hope Through Awareness and Education
The five-year survival rate for lung cancer can increase dramatically when the disease is caught early. When detected in its localized stage, treatment outcomes improve significantly, offering patients a stronger chance at remission and recovery.
Health advocates stress that awareness is the first step toward prevention. “By talking openly about lung cancer, we can reduce stigma, encourage screening, and ultimately save lives,” said a spokesperson for the Lung Cancer Foundation of America.
Symbol of Awareness: Pearl White and Clear
The official awareness color for lung cancer is pearl white or clear, representing the clarity and breath of life that many patients fight to regain. Throughout November, buildings, landmarks, and community centers across the world will light up in white to honor survivors, remember those lost, and inspire action.
