Important Facts to Know on Lung Cancer Day 2024

Introduction

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Therefore, it is very important to raise awareness around it. World Lung Cancer Day is observed on the first of August every year, and its main aim is to spread awareness about lung cancer, how it can be prevented, and the importance of an early diagnosis. World Lung Cancer Day 2024 is themed “Stronger Together: United against Lung Cancer Awareness,” encouraging togetherness when fighting this deadly disease. It now stands as a wake-up call for there to be increased effort in research, awareness and supporting patients diagnosed with lung cancer.

Understanding Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is caused by an uncontrollable growth of abnormal cells in one or both lungs. These abnormal cells grow into tumours that can further disrupt the normal functioning of the lungs, bleed, or block air passages. Lung cancer is broadly categorised into two major types: Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) and Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC).

NSCLC is more prevalent and accounts for about 85% of the cases, while SCLC is less frequent but more aggressive. Most lung cancer cases are attributable to smoking, although non-smokers may also experience it due to genetics, environmental exposure, radon gas exposure, asbestos exposure, and other risk factors. Screening can significantly improve the rate of lung cancer survival by detecting the disease at a stage when it is more treatable.

Why Do We Observe World Lung Cancer Day?

World Lung Cancer Day is observed every year to increase awareness of lung cancer’s effect on individuals and society, promote its early detection and treatment, and reduce the stigma surrounding this disease. This day provides a platform characterised by education and advocacy, encouraging people to take preventive measures and supporting those living with lung cancer.

World Lung Cancer Day focuses on increasing awareness and treating disparities between regions and communities. This education and awareness day calls for increased investment in research and healthcare infrastructure by governments, healthcare providers, and non-profit organisations to achieve better outcomes for lung cancer. It also serves as an opportunity to support and recognise those affected—those diagnosed, survivors, caregiving, and health professionals.

The Significance of World Lung Cancer Day

Raising Awareness

• Lung cancer, though one of the major causes of death due to cancer, generally does not attract the same level of public awareness as many other forms of cancer. Hence, World Lung Cancer Day is observed to bring this extremely crucial disease into the mainstream eye of the world.
• It allows people to spread information on risk factors, symptoms, and early detection associated with lung cancer, making more people realise its prevalence and seriousness.

Promoting Prevention

• Smoking remains the major risk factor for the development of lung cancer. This day brings to the fore the need for smoking cessation and prevention of its initiation, along with a reduction in exposure to other carcinogens.
• It calls for lifestyle modifications, which involve a healthy diet, regular exercise, and surroundings that are free from environmental toxins, which may increase the chances of getting lung cancer.

Advocating for Early Detection

• The focus is on the significance of lung cancer screening, particularly for high-risk groups like heavy smokers or those with a family history. Early detection is crucial for better treatment outcomes.
• The day aims to enlighten people about the common symptoms of lung cancer, some of which are a persistent cough, chest pain, and breathlessness so that they know when to consult a doctor.

Supporting Research and Treatment

• World Lung Cancer Day not only lays the demands for increased investment in research for new treatments, therapies, and potential cures but also highlights the requirements of knowledge and medical technology advancements in treatment strategies to impact better outcomes in patients and their quality of life.

Providing Support

• It is also a day that serves to provide resources and support for those who are diagnosed with lung cancer or people close to them regarding treatment options and coping strategies.

World Lung Cancer Day 2024: Objectives and Initiatives

The theme for World Lung Cancer Day 2024 is “Stronger Together: United for Lung Cancer Awareness,” which is focused on unity in power against lung cancer. The objectives and initiatives for this year focus on several key areas:

• Raising Awareness: The general public will be educated about lung cancer symptoms, risk factors, and the importance of early diagnosis. Campaigning and event organising will ensue, communicating through social media, public service announcements, and community outreach programs.
• Promotion of Lung Cancer Screening: Healthcare providers and organisations will increase awareness of the benefits of lung cancer screening, especially in a high-risk population. Programs will consist of free or low-cost screening programs and informational sessions about the importance of scans.
• Supporting Research and Innovation: World Lung Cancer Day 2024 will highlight the need for much further research into new lung cancer treatments and therapies. Fundraising efforts will go toward research institutions and clinical trials that work to assure better patient outcomes and a cure.
• Reducing Stigma and Promoting Support: It has also been designed to reduce stigma around lung cancer and to show support for patients and their loved ones through support groups and counselling services. These include advocacy for patients, support networks, and even mental health resources for people with the illness.

Conclusion

On Lung Cancer Day 2024, let’s create more awareness around lung cancer symptoms, lung cancer survival rate, and the plea for screening regarding lung cancer. We should work for a future with better prevention, early detection, and treatment for lung cancer through education, advocacy, and support. We can take giant steps toward reducing the global burden of lung cancer by increasing awareness, promoting prevention, encouraging early detection, and supporting research. 

This article has been medically reviewed by Dr C Raghavendra Reddy, Medical Oncologist