Posted on November 1, 2015
It’s here: Lung Cancer Awareness Month. A designated pause in time for us to raise necessary awareness about the truth about lung cancer and mesothelioma.
The fact is, you don’t have to smoke to get lung cancer. In fact, in the United States, asbestos-caused lung cancer claims an estimated 10,000 lives every year.
Lung cancer is the number one cancer killer in both men and women in the United States.
Today, we’re used to talking about first-hand exposure to cigarettes. And we’re used to talking about second-hand exposure to cigarettes, too. But did you know there is such a thing as second-hand exposure to asbestos? In fact, asbestos is just as dangerous and cancer-causing as cigarettes and may account for so many unnecessary deaths from mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.
It’s time for us to get the facts out there.
Know the Difference Between Lung Cancer and Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is all too often miscategorized as a lung cancer. Instead, mesothelioma is a different, and perhaps even more fatal cancer than lung cancer. While mesothelioma often develops in the lining of the lung, abdomen or heart, lung cancer develops inside the lung itself. Remember: While mesothelioma and lung cancer may be two separate types of cancers, they both may occur because of exposure to asbestos.
Each year, the Lung Cancer Alliance (LCA) organizes Shine a Light on Lung Cancer events around the nation. This is the 7th LCA Annual Shine a Light on Lung Cancer. This event was founded by a lung cancer survivor and caregiver is the largest coordinated awareness event for lung cancer in the United States!
Help us Shine a Light on Lung Cancer by taking three simple steps.
- On November 5th, light a candle in your home or online.
- Share Your Story with ADAO. We believe that each voice counts, that every story makes a difference and that, together, change is possible. Share Your Story by clicking here.
- Take to social media. You can join us on Facebook or Twitter by clicking here to Tweet: November Lung Cancer Awareness Month: Shine a Light on the Facts #LCAM15 #asbestos
Together, change is possible.
Linda Reinstein
Linda Reinstein is co-founder the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to prevention, advocacy and community support. Join the global conversation on Twitter by following @Linda_ADAO