World Lung Cancer Day 2024, Its History & Significance and Theme and What are the Lung Cancer Awareness Points and Facts
World Lung Cancer Day 2024
Every year on August 1, people worldwide observe World Lung Cancer Day. This day aims to tackle the growing number of lung cancer cases. The goal is simple: make more people aware of lung cancer and encourage them to get checked. This day is crucial because, according to the World Health Organization, more people die from lung cancer each year than from colon, breast, and liver cancers combined. Even though we don’t know who started this day, their aim is clear – to inspire everyone to deal better with this disease.
What is Lung Cancer?
Lung cancer is a kind of cancer that begins in the lung and is basically due to smoking and exposure to carcinogen products. It is majorly categorised into two types: non-small cell lung cancer (NSLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). It is especially one of the main causes of global deaths.
Lung cancer is typically asymptomatic and does not show any signs and symptoms in its early stages. However, some common symptoms of lung cancer include chronic cough, chest pain, and weight loss etc. The different methods to treat lung cancer are surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy.
World Lung Cancer Day 2024: Date & Theme
World Lung Cancer Day came into existence in the year 2012. The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer, the American College of Chest Physicians, and the Forum of International Respiratory Societies worked together to plan the campaign.
There is no official theme for WLCD 2023 yet, so for now we can consider the 2022 theme, ‘A breath of prevention is better than expectation on long-term survival’ for this year's observation.
History of World Lung Cancer Day
Early Days and Rare Cases
In the 1800s, doctors first talked about lung cancer, but it was super rare. About 150 years ago, very few people had it – maybe only 1% to 2% of the population. But as the 20th century went on, things changed a lot. At first, it wasn’t common, but by the end of the century, it became the top reason why many men died from cancer in more than 25 countries.
Figuring Out the Rise: Pollution, Traffic, and War
Nobody knew why it became so common. In the 1930s, a book suggested it might be because of dirty air, more traffic, and wartime gas exposure. But this didn’t explain why it also increased in places without these problems. People thought smoking might be a cause, but it wasn’t until the 1940s and ’50s that scientists found proof linking smoking to lung cancer.
Smoking and Other Causes
Once smoking was recognized as a cause, many around the world tried to quit, and this helped reduce lung cancer, especially in men. Sadly, lung cancer doesn’t only happen because of smoking. Breathing in harmful stuff like radon gas, uranium, and asbestos for a long time can also lead to lung cancer. By the 21st century, lung cancer was common, and it became the top cause of cancer deaths. Days like World Lung Cancer Day are crucial for raising awareness and supporting research.
Significance of World Lung Cancer Day
Shedding Light on Lung Cancer
Every activity on World Lung Cancer Day has one goal – to make more people aware of lung cancer, its causes, and what can be done to prevent and treat it.
Helping People Understand
More awareness means people know the risks, which can lead to finding and treating lung cancer early, possibly saving lives.
Honoring Those Dealing with Lung Cancer
World Lung Cancer Day isn’t just about preventing more cases. It’s also about celebrating and remembering everyone affected by lung cancer. The more people know, the better we can help those dealing with it.
World Lung Cancer Day 2024: Awareness
Education regarding the risks, symptoms, early detection, and prevention of lung cancer is a crucial component of the fight against the disease. An earlier diagnosis, better treatment results, and a decrease in the number of cases brought on by avoidable risk factors are all benefits of greater awareness. Some essential components of lung cancer awareness include:
- Quitting smoking and tobacco
- Understanding the dangers of secondhand smoke
- Educate and Aware people about the risk factors related to carcinogenic exposure.
- Seek medical advice early.
- Frequent screening is advisable
- Empower and Promote Healthy Lifestyle
World Lung Cancer Day 2024: Facts & Numbers
World Lung Cancer advocates for policy changes related to lung cancer research funding, tobacco control, and access to healthcare services, ultimately making a positive impact on lung cancer prevention and care. Some other facts related are as follows:
- Lung cancer is among the major cause of death in the United States.
- Around 218,500 people in the United States are diagnosed with cancer, whereas around 142000 people die because of cancer.
- Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is found in 85% of all lung cancer patients in comparison to aggressive SCLC.
- The stage of lung cancer refers to the extent to which it has spread within the lungs and to other parts of the body. Staging helps determine the appropriate treatment approach and prognosis.
In conclusion, World Lung Cancer Day is a day for the world to unite against this disease. It’s about spreading awareness, finding it early, and supporting those going through it. Together, we can make a difference in the fight against lung cancer and improve the lives of many people.
Read More Related Articles:
0 Comments