LUNG CANCER is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide.1
AN ESTIMATED 228,000 PEOPLE will be diagnosed in 2019 in the US.2
Reina was diagnosed with lung cancer a little over a year ago, undergoing surgery to remove 1/5 of her lung. While she didn't have symptoms – noting "I felt healthier than ever" – she was approaching the age when her mother had died of lung cancer. Finding out her worries had merit was a shock.
"As my doctor said, 'If you have lungs, you too can get lung cancer.'"
Even as a teenager, Victoria noticed that she was often breathless and chalked it up to needing more exercise. She was diagnosed with Stage III spindle-cell sarcoma of the lung right before her 23rd birthday. "To me, it didn’t matter what story the statistics were saying about this disease. I decided right then and there that I would tell my son that Mom is going to be a survivor."
Jaymie was diagnosed with ALK+ lung cancer in December 2018 but is trying to keep her life as close to normal as she can...working full time and attending kickboxing classes. "I am not my diagnosis. I try to challenge the stigmas and the misconceptions by showing people that even though I have cancer, cancer does not HAVE me."
Smoking is the leading risk factor for lung cancer.2 Even though they may have smoked in the past, up to 65% of people who get lung cancer are non-smokers at time of diagnosis.
Exposure to radon gas is the second leading risk factor of lung cancer.2
Other risk factors include exposure to:2
Family history and genetic factors may also play a role in the development of lung cancer.2
Adults who have no symptoms (like above) but are considered "high-risk" should be screened. High-risk adults are individuals who:
Have a conversation with your healthcare provider. Whether you meet high-risk conditions, are experiencing common lung cancer symptoms, or are simply concerned about your risk for lung cancer, we encourage you to talk to them. With the support of your healthcare provider, you can decide together if screening is right for you.
Screening helps to find a disease early on before it causes symptoms and complications. The only screening currently proven to reduce lung cancer deaths is called a low-dose CT scan.
Join the lung cancer community at an upcoming Free to Breathe Walk and help raise awareness and funds for research that will help improve lung cancer outcomes. Find an event near you at FreetoBreatheWalk.org.
Fundraise your way by designing your own unique fundraising event or creating a fundraising page to honor a loved one. Get started today at lcrf.org/diy
Contact [email protected] for details.
Lung cancer claims more lives each year than breast, pancreatic, and prostate cancer combined.
But, these three cancers receive an average of 5.4x MORE RESEARCH FUNDING per life lost than lung cancer.2 Research means better treatment options and increased survival.
CURRENT U.S. FEDERAL RESEARCH FUNDING PER CANCER DEATH7,8
ESTIMATED ANNUAL CANCER DEATHS2
DONATE to support lung cancer research at lcrf.org/give
If you smoke, get the help you need to quit. You can get help from state quitlines and other programs. Visit becomeanex.org or smokefree.gov, or call (800) 784-8669 [(800) QUIT-NOW].
Reduce exposure to radon. If you live in an area with high levels of radon, consider having your house tested for radon exposure and, if needed, take steps to reduce radon levels. More information is available at epa.gov/radon.
The Lung Cancer Research Foundation® (LCRF) is the leading nonprofit organization focused on funding innovative, high-reward research with the potential to extend survival and improve quality of life for people with lung cancer. LCRF’s mission is to improve lung cancer outcomes by funding research for the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure of lung cancer.
To date, LCRF has provided $33 million dollars in research grants to investigators around the world. In addition to funding lung cancer research, the organization focuses on lung cancer awareness and education. The Foundation also hosts community events nationwide through the Free to Breathe Events Program.
Call us on our Lung Cancer Support Line (844) 835-4325 (toll free) Monday–Friday 9am–5pm ET (8am–4pm CT) or email us at [email protected].
