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World Lung Cancer Day is observed each year on August 1st to spread awareness about lung cancer. The day urges us to unite in the fight against this relentless disease. The idea is to educate and spread awareness at every level across borders and work together to turn the tide on lung cancer.
Let’s understand the importance of each of us coming together to combat the disease that continues to be a worldwide challenge.
What is the Significance of World Lung Cancer Day?
The World Health Organisation has marked lung cancer as the deadliest type of cancer that has taken more lives than breast or liver cancer, making the importance of World Lung Cancer Day even more significant for public health. Here’s what at the key focus:
- Spreading awareness about lung cancer
- Spreading awareness of causes and symptoms of the disease.
- Promoting the importance of early screening and early detection.
- Providing moral and financial support for those fighting the disease.
- Spreading awareness on government’s initiatives for health support and treatment.
Overviewing the History of World Lung Cancer Day
Back in the 19th Century, lung cancer was not widespread, and it affected less than 2% of the global population. However, somewhere around the mid-20th century, it started to creep deeper into society, especially among men. There was a general belief that air pollution due to growing industrialisation was the primary cause of the disease.
It was later, in the 1940s to 1950s, that the medical world became more assertive in the belief that smoking has a close association with lung cancer. This translated into multiple campaigns and disclaimers against smoking. As medical science kept evolving, causes such as radon gas and carcinogens were also recognised as causes. Despite the campaigns, the number of people affected by lung cancer kept on increasing, turning lung health into a challenge that left medical professionals puzzled.
While medicinal developments were in the run, the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer, the American College of Chest Physicians, and the Forum of International Respiratory Societies joined hands in 2012 to mark 1st August as Lung Cancer Awareness Day to spread awareness, lung cancer prevention and break the taboo around the disease.
If you are wondering What is the theme for lung cancer this year? Each year, organisations for the cause come up with their themes. In India, the theme for 2022-2024 is Close the Care Gap: Everyone Deserves Access to Cancer Care.
Lung Cancer: The Current Status
Sadly enough, lung cancer continues to pose a challenge for people around the country and for medical professionals attempting to find an accurate lung cancer treatment.
According to a recent study, India might be touching the number of 1.57 million cancer cases by 2025 which in 2022 was 1.46 million. The global data is even more disheartening as 1.80 million deaths were reported by 2020 globally. 2
However, with advancements in medical science and technology, there have been positive results in patients getting cured with appropriate cancer treatment. Comprehensive insurance plans like Care Plus Health Insurance provide reliable medical and financial support for screening and treatment.
What Can You Do?
Looking at the present status of lung cancer might be disheartening but it also serves as a reminder to adapt to healthy lifestyle practices. Here’s what you can do:
Switch to Healthy Habits
While there might be a set of diets that can help prevent lung cancer and ensure healthy lungs, a healthy lifestyle is possibly the most effective way forward. Switch to healthy choices in your diet to strengthen your immune system. Quitting cigarettes or any form of smoking is a step that can not be ignored as it is the leading cause of lung cancer.
Support Lung Cancer Advocacy and Research
Public and private organisations are dedicated to working with a team to find the proper treatment and advocate for lung cancer awareness. You can show your support by donating or volunteering in their awareness campaigns.
Spread Lung Cancer Awareness
Use your knowledge and information on lung cancer to educate and make people around you aware. Regardless of the level you reach, even educating a single person goes a long way.
Provide Moral and Financial Support
In 2024, a topic like lung cancer can not be taboo. Make sure to provide moral and financial support to those fighting the disease at every chance you get.
Opt for a Health Insurance Plan
Staying prepared to face the unknown future is the need of the moment. Opt for a reliable Health Insurance plan like Cancer Health Insurance offering coverage for screening, diagnosis, and treatment at affordable premiums.
Understanding Lung Cancer
Before you leave, let’s briefly talk about the disease.
1. Lung cancer stems from the growth of cells in the lungs.It can be either non-small cell lung cancer or small cell lung cancer.
2. Lung cancer symptoms do not appear at an early stage but can be observed through:
- Stubborn cough that will not go away.
- Chest Pain.
- Shortness of breath.
- Cough that comes with blood.
- Hoarseness or wheezing.
3. Lung cancer screening is a reliable method for diagnosing the growth of cancer cells. Therefore, one must consult a doctor.
4. Treatment for lung cancer usually includes chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy and medicines.
Bottom Line
Lung cancer is a severe challenge for not just India but the whole world. Advancements in medical procedures like screening, diagnosis methods, medicines and tech-advanced treatments have kept the hopes alive for us all. In addition, the government has also announced tax exemptions on cancer medicines to strengthen the fight against the disease.
This year, join hands with advocates of cancer awareness and observe World Lung Cancer Day by switching to a better, healthier lifestyle, supporting organisations working for cancer awareness, and choosing a health Insurance plan like Care Health Insurance to protect your future.
>> Also Read: Lung Cancer- Symptoms, Causes and Prevention
Disclaimers: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.
