Introduction:
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. It is the most common cancer worldwide, affecting 2.09 million people in 2018. It takes more lives every year than colon, prostate, ovarian and breast cancers combined.
Facts:
- Smoking is linked to about 80% of lung cancer deaths.
- People who smoke cigarettes are 15 to 30 times more likely to get lung cancer or die from lung cancer than people who do not smoke.
- Quitting smoking at any age greatly reduces the risk of lung cancer.
- Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer. It is a radioactive gas that comes from rocks, dust and building materials. The gas is of low concentrations in the open air and high levels inside homes and buildings.
- Symptoms of lung cancer vary from person to person.
- Most people with lung cancer do not show symptoms until the cancer has reached advanced stages.
- Early detection of cancer increases the chances for successful treatment.
- Physical activity may lower the risk of lung cancer by 20%, as it improves lung function and protects it against many diseases.
Objectives:
- Raising public awareness of lung cancer.
- Supporting scientific researches on lung cancer.
- Educating those at risk of lung cancer.
- Raising awareness of the harmful effects of smoking.
Official Date:
Globally: November 1st-30th, 2019.
Locally: Rabi' al-awwal 4th- Rabī’ al-Ākhir 3rd, 1441H.
Target Groups:
• Lung cancer patients and their families.
• Smokers and people exposed to secondhand smoke.
• Health professionals, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists and health educators.
• Health associations and organizations.
• The public.
Theme of Lung Cancer Awareness Month: