November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Anyone interested in bringing awareness to this deadly form of cancer has many opportunities to get involved.
Lung cancer is a common type of cancer. It is responsible for more deaths than the next three highest causes of cancer-related deaths in the United States combined. These are colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, and breast cancer.
Despite the large number of new cases each year and its high mortality rate, researchers and doctors still have a lot to learn about lung cancer.
Getting involved in Lung Cancer Awareness Month can help spread information about this form of cancer to people who may not know much about it. It can also increase funding for research to help scientists develop new, more effective treatments.
This article will help people looking to get involved this November by providing ideas on ways they can help spread awareness of lung cancer.
Although 541,000 people currently living in the United States have received a lung cancer diagnosis, the journey a person undergoes is personal and unique. No two cancer survivors have the same experience.
However, that does not mean that people cannot relate to each other’s stories. Sharing stories about lung cancer may help with:
- supporting others experiencing similar issues with their treatment, relationships, or finances
- giving others hope
- spreading awareness to friends, family members, and others who may donate to research for the cause
A person can share their story anywhere they feel comfortable doing so, including on social media. They can also share their story on a wider scale by joining the Lung Cancer Registry.
When sharing a story on social media, a person can add hashtags, such as:
- #LivingWithLungCancer
- #ShareHope
- #ShareYourVoice
Advocacy groups help directly spread lung cancer awareness.
Reputable organizations, such as the American Lung Association, do this by:
- petitioning and asking for additional research funding from the U.S. Congress
- raising funds for smoking cessation programs
- advocating for people to have access to quality healthcare and insurance coverage despite having preexisting conditions
- spreading awareness about radon
- working with state and federal governments to help reduce smoking
Anyone who is interested can sign up to contribute their time to efforts such as Lung Action Network or Lung Force.
Fundraisers help generate funding for research, cover expenses for people undergoing cancer treatments, and more.
Fundraising efforts typically benefit one particular organization. The organization can disperse the donations to areas in most need of funding.
Fundraising can take various forms, such as:
- sharing donation pages, such as the American Lung Association’s page, on social media or with friends, family members, or support or advocacy groups
- joining fundraising walks as an individual or team member
- joining or organizing other fundraising events
Companies may be willing to help sponsor or donate to fundraising efforts. A person can reach out to different local companies to see whether they would be willing to get involved or make a donation.
A person can make direct donations to lung cancer research, cancer research, or other related expenses.
They should consider certain factors when donating during Lung Cancer Awareness Month:
- It is possible to make donations in honor or memory of a family member or loved one.
- Donations qualify as tax exemptions.
- Scams do exist, so it is best to be wary and donate only to known, trusted sources.
- Donations may help with research into lung cancer or cancer in general.
- Some companies or employers may be willing to match donations.
The American Cancer Society allows for one-time or monthly donations on its site. Donations through the organization go toward cancer research in general, rather than lung cancer specifically.
For lung cancer-specific donations, a person can make a donation via the American Lung Association’s website.
Sharing information about lung cancer on social media can help spread awareness. However, a person should make sure that they are sharing reputable sources of information.
Organizations and government agencies often publish current information about lung cancer and other types of cancer. Some reputable sources of information include:
- American Lung Association
American Cancer Society Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Library of Medicine
A person can also share peer reviewed research studies.
Using one or more of the following hashtags when posting about lung cancer on social media may help the message reach more people:
- #LungCancer
- #30Days30Heroes
- #LungCancerAwareness
- #LungHealth
- #LungCancerAwarenessMonth
- #LCAM
- #LungCancerResearch
According to the Lung Cancer Foundation of America, white is the official color of the ribbon for lung cancer awareness. During November, a person can wear a white ribbon or find other ways to wear white to show their support. Examples include:
- wearing white clothing
- adding white accessories to an outfit, such as a white hat or scarf
- wearing white jewelry, such as pearls
- painting their nails white
A person can shop for a white ribbon or make their own at home.
There are many ways to get involved during Lung Cancer Awareness Month. People who take part can help bring awareness, support, and funding to the lung cancer community.