Did you know that November is Lung Cancer Awareness month? Lung Cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths for men and women each year. Now you do not have to be a smoker necessarily to get Lung Cancer, but smoking can be a major factor and huge risk. Each third Thursday in November the American Cancer Society has what they call the Great American Smokeout. This event is meant to help give Americans the first step to quitting smoking.
You can find support in your community or online using resources that they have to offer. You may remember a few years ago I wrote about my mother and how I helped support her through her Lung Cancer journey. Then I wrote about my grief after losing her. She was never a smoker, but she was around people were. Secondhand smoke can cause cancer, it contains chemicals that are dangerous and can harm those breathing it in.
How do we observe the Great American Smokeout? Join in with all the others by not smoking for the day. Find ways to help your family or friends who are joining in and trying to quit. Or use social media to raise awareness.
Just to give you an idea here are a few facts, Lung Cancer is:
- A leading cause of cancer among women in the US
- It is the leading cause of cancer deaths among Black Americans
- You may be more at risk if you are between the ages 55-80
Participating in the Great American Smokeout may be the beginning of helping someone you know find the courage to quit. It may be a first step in bringing more awareness to this horrible disease. I hope this post has brought to light some awareness and maybe finds its way to someone who needs to see it.
