Lung Cancer Alliance Releases Updated 2009 Facts About Lung Cancer

Main Category: Lung Cancer
Article Date: 01 Jul 2009 - 2:00 PDT

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Lung Cancer Alliance (LCA) released its updated 2009 Facts About Lung Cancer illustrating again the devastating toll caused by lung cancer. LCA last released its Fact Sheet in 2008.

The 2009 Facts About Lung Cancer analyzes the most recent available data from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Department of Defense (DOD), and Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Program (SEER).

The 2009 Facts About Lung Cancer reviews and compares actual deaths, 5-year survival rates, staging of diagnosis, research spending per death, and total research funding for lung cancer relative to other cancers and diseases.

"Make no mistake, lung cancer continues to claim number one status," said Laurie Fenton-Ambrose, LCA President & CEO. "It continues to lead all cancer deaths -- more than breast, prostate, colon and pancreatic cancers combined -- and it continues to be the least funded of all the major cancers." Estimated lung cancer deaths in 2009 will be 152,390 and estimated research spending per death is $1,249.

"In addition," continued Fenton-Ambrose, "there has been no improvement in 5-year survival rates or progress toward earlier stage diagnosis of the disease. This is a formula for continued massive and tragic loss of life."

The 2009 Facts About Lung Cancer also compares lung cancer deaths to other cancers and diseases. Heart disease is the only illness to surpass lung cancer in actual deaths.

These facts and figures have been an important source of information for advocates, medical professionals and journalists aiding in the education, awareness and understanding of the issues surrounding lung cancer.

Lung Cancer Alliance is the only national non-profit organization dedicated exclusively to patient support and advocacy for those living with or at risk for lung cancer. Lung Cancer Alliance is committed to leading the movement to reverse decades of stigma and neglect by empowering those with or at risk for the disease, elevating awareness and changing health policy.

Source: Lung Cancer Alliance