Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center Signs On as a Partner for LC

[Melinda]

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month

Lung Cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States for both men and women. Both current and former smokers have a greater risk of developing lung cancer -- but even people who have never smoked can get the disease.

Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center Signs On as a Partner for Lung Cancer Awareness Month

The Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center (VICC) is an organizational partner for Lung Cancer Awareness Month, the Alliance for Lung Cancer Advocacy's efforts to build awareness about the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. for both women and men. The American Cancer Society estimates that 154,900 Americans will die from Lung Cancer in 2002. This is more than breast, prostate and colorectal cancers combined. Vanderbilt-Ingram is one of the leading health institutions partnering with the Alliance for Lung Cancer Advocacy, Support and Education (ALCASE) in their education campaign which culminates in November, Lung Cancer Awareness Month.

Approximately 170,000 Americans from all races and socio-economic backgrounds will be diagnosed this year with lung cancer. Among these diagnoses, the most dramatic increase is currently among women and African-American men.

Organizations such as Vanderbilt-Ingram are making it possible to reach greater numbers of people with vital information that could help save lives. A major message of the campaign is to build awareness that former smokers always remain at a higher risk for lung cancer than those who never smoked. In fact, more than 50% of lung cancer diagnoses are now found in people who are not current smokers. Many of these people quit smoking 10, 20, or even 30 years ago. Additionally, more than 25,000 U.S. residents who have never smoked will be diagnosed this year with lung cancer. Exposure to asbestos, radon, passive smoke, diesel fuel, or other chemicals can cause the disease. People with lung cancer in their family of origin may also be at a higher risk.

ALCASE believes that early detection plays a crucial role in increasing the rate of lung cancer survival. When people are diagnosed with early-stage lung cancer, their chances of five-year survival can be as high as 85%. But because symptoms may be vague or nonexistent in the early stages, most people with lung cancer aren't diagnosed until the disease is in late stage. When symptoms are present, they can include shortness of breath; chronic hoarseness or cough; a recurring lung condition such as asthma, bronchitis, or pneumonia that does not clear up with prescribed medication; back or shoulder pain; sudden weight loss; or coughing up blood.

For more information contact:

The Alliance for Lung Cancer Advocacy, Support and Education

1-800-298-2436

www.alcase.org