Lung Cancer Initiative Invites Advocates to Take the Initiative During Lung Cancer Awareness Month

(October 31, 2019) – Lung Cancer Initiative is once again joining forces with the Lung Cancer Awareness Month Coalition, a group of leading international research and advocacy organizations that partner each November in an effort to improve outcomes for lung cancer patients across the world during Lung Cancer Awareness Month (LCAM). 

Lung cancer accounts for 25 percent of cancer deaths in the United States and annually claims the lives of more people than colon, breast and prostate cancers combined. There were an estimated 234,030 new cases of lung cancer in 2019 with around 8,010 cases in North Carolina annually.

“Breakthroughs in research, diagnosis and treatment over the past few years have brought about change and hope to lung cancer patients and their families,” said Amy Cipau, Lung Cancer Initiative Founder and President.  “It is so important that we join organizations from across the globe to raise awareness and to share the stories of the many lung cancer survivors and their families who have been impacted.”

Lung Cancer Initiative is hosting a variety of events throughout the month of November including the following which are open to the public:

• Greensboro LUNGe Forward 5K Run, Walk, & Rally (November 2, Greensboro):  What better way to raise awareness of lung cancer than by joining family and friends for this event at Center City Park in Greensboro?  From a celebration of hope and remembrance to a beautiful 5K run and walk through downtown Greensboro, to face painting and games for children, there's something for everyone at this year's event.  Register online.

• Thankful Hearts (November 6, Raleigh): Join us for a night dedicated to celebrating lung cancer survivors and caregivers.  Activities will include a pie baking contest, thank you note station and pumpkin painting. Former NFL player and national spokesperson on lung cancer, Christ Draft will be providing an inspirational message during this event.  Learn more and register.

• Early Detection Saves Lives - Communities connecting to fight lung cancer (November 14, Webinar):  Join the NC Comprehensive Cancer Control Program for a webinar featuring Dr. Kathryn Mileham, Levine Cancer Institute; lung cancer survivor, Tomma Hargraves; and the Lung Cancer Initiative from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m.  Register online.

Held each November, LCAM aims to increase awareness of this devastating disease. Unlike many other diseases, with lung cancer, there is a lack of knowledge among both patients and physicians about effective risk reduction and treatment options.  The Coalition seeks to fill this void, inspiring hope and achieving better results for patients in the process.  Most of all, the Coalition strives to debunk the unfair assumptions and stigma associated with lung cancer by better educating the public on the disease and its causes.

Key risks for lung cancer are smoking; exposure to secondhand smoke, asbestos and radon gas; heavy alcohol use and genetic predisposition. Symptoms of lung cancer include coughing, especially when persistent or intense; pain in the chest, shoulder or back unrelated to pain from coughing; change in color or volume of mucus; shortness of breath; hoarseness or changes in the voice; harsh sounds with each breath (stridor); recurrent lung problems, such as bronchitis or pneumonia; coughing up phlegm or mucus, especially when tinged with blood; and coughing up blood. Thanks to early and improved screening and diagnosis, as well as rapidly expanding and precise treatment options, lung cancer rates are falling. 

To learn more about resources available in North Carolina through the Lung Cancer Initiative and to hear the stories of those impacted by this disease, please visit www.LungCancerInitiativeNC.org.

About Lung Cancer Initiative of North Carolina

As the state’s leading non-profit organization supporting lung cancer research and education, the Lung Cancer Initiative of North Carolina specializes in connecting patients, survivors and loved ones with the medical and research community. The organization’s mission is to save lives and provide support to those affected by lung cancer through research, awareness, education and access programs across North Carolina. For more information, or to get involved, please visit us at www.LungCancerInitiativeNC.org.

About the Lung Cancer Awareness Month Coalition

The Lung Cancer Awareness Month Coalition (LCAMC) is composed of more than 40 global non-profits focused on thoracic cancers, led by the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC). During Lung Cancer Awareness Month (LCAM) in November, the Coalition unites to focus on improving outcomes for lung cancer patients by educating physicians and patients on potentially lifesaving treatment options. It also works to generate more awareness among the public about the impact of lung cancer and how we can collectively battle against the disease, which is the deadliest cancer. Please visit www.LCAM.org for more information.