Lung cancer is a group of diseases that can affect anyone with a set of lungs. Although people who smoke cigarettes are at high risk of developing lung cancer, smoking is not the only risk factor. In honor of World Lung Cancer Day this week, I’d like to share a few facts that I learned recently from the Lung Cancer Foundation of America, which offers support and resources for those who have been diagnosed with lung cancer and their families.
- Although early stage lung cancer has few symptoms, early detection allows for personalized treatment options with increased survival rates.
- Persistent cough, shortness of breath, hoarseness, chest pain or unexplained weight loss are among the early warning signs of lung cancer.
- About 1 in 5 women diagnosed with lung cancer have never been smokers, and since 1987, three times more women die of lung cancer than breast cancer every year.
- Survival rates are increasing, thanks to early detection methods and new treatment protocols.
Our Language of Friendship team urges everyone to be aware of the signs and symptoms of lung cancer, which is an illness that has touched our lives. Julia’s father died from the disease, as well as my dear friend Kim’s mom. I’ve participated several times in a walk with a team Kim organized to raise money for lung cancer research in memory of her mother. It was a special way for us to reconnect while raising funds for this important cause. And in honor of Kim, I would like to dedicate this post to her as she celebrated her birthday this past week!
It’s not the strength of the body that counts, but the strength of the spirit.
–J.R.R. Tolkien
Language of Friendship 
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