November 1 marked the beginning of Lung Cancer Awareness Month.
Lung cancer is the leading cancer killer in both men and women, in every ethnic group (Lung Cancer Alliance). Each year in the U.S. more than 228,000 people are diagnosed with lung cancer, and nearly 160,000 die of the disease (Lung Cancer Foundation).
In spite of these statistics, lung cancer often goes undiagnosed until it has reached an advanced level, making it difficult to treat.
We encourage you to educate yourself and others to increase awareness of lung cancer and related diseases such as mesothelioma, a cancer caused by asbestos exposure. One of the most painful cancers, mesothelioma affects thousands each year and is one of the most difficult lung cancers to treat.
Mesothelioma is almost always caused by occupational asbestos exposure. Diagnosing mesothelioma can be difficult due to the disease’s aggressive nature and long latency period – about 20 to 40 years. Although it has more commonly been diagnosed in men over age 50, women and younger people who have been exposed to second-hand, or take-home, asbestos are at risk of developing mesothelioma as well.
The earlier a mesothelioma diagnosis is made, the greater number of treatment options available. Building awareness will save lives, so start building lung cancer awareness in your community today.
What can I do to raise awareness during Lung Cancer Awareness Month?
- Follow Simmons Hanly Conroy on Facebook. We’ll be sharing lung cancer facts throughout the month, and we encourage you to re-share them with your friends and family.
- Tweet:
- Share your story with the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) about how you or a loved one has been impacted by lung cancer.
The lawyers and staff at Simmons Hanly Conroy thank you for participating in our efforts to spread awareness about the leading cancer killer of both men and women: lung cancer.
