Lung Cancer and turquoise might seem to have nothing in common. However, the color turquoise is the symbol of an important advocacy campaign in May.
Under the auspices of the American Lung Association, Lung Force’s annual lung cancer awareness campaign is turning Florida and the entire United States, Turquoise blue.
Thus, you might see the skylines of American cities brightly lit in turquoise during May. Additionally, this holds true for several well-known landmarks in Orlando.
This Turquoise Take-Over celebration has a national objective. It intends to “raise critical awareness of lung cancer, the nation’s leading cancer killer.”
Shocking Statistics You Need to Know
May Community Events Spotlight the Cause of Lung Cancer Research. From Lectures to the “Bling of Jewelry,” Attend Events to Show Your Support.
In honor of this advocacy, FLASS brings you four major statistics for lung cancer in 2022. We could give you dozens of numbers, but we want to focus on only four of the more stunning facts.
1. Firstly, it is an indiscriminate killer. On the one hand, “lung cancer kills almost three times as many men as prostate cancer.”
2. On the other hand, experts inform us that it now murders three times more women than breast cancer.
3. In fact, “541,000 PEOPLE IN THE U.S. TODAY have been diagnosed with lung cancer at some point in their lives.”
4. Furthermore, the last, and saddest of our FLASS facts for today, is “approximately 130,180 AMERICAN LIVES are lost annually,” to this killer disease.
Wear Turquoise Blue for the Turquoise Takeover
With these statistics in mind, it is no wonder that the Lung Force makes it an annual priority to unite both men and women in a common goal. They strive to raise critical awareness of lung cancer through this colorful campaign against our number one cancer killer.
FLASS joins them as they encourage all of us to wear a little turquoise blue for the cause.
However, we at FLASS hope that when the turquoise reminder goes away, we won’t forget to be aware of the risks of this terrible disease.
Coincidentally, Central Florida will celebrate National Women’s Lung Health Week with a LUNG FORCE Turquoise Takeover.
The Pandemic and Lung Cancer
Janelle Hom, executive director of the Lung Association stated, “The COVID-19 pandemic has been a stark reminder of the importance of lung health, especially for those with lung diseases.”
She added, For many, “the burden has become more acute, with the pandemic adding more challenges…” We know these challenges included the risks of complications from COVID-19. They also faced changes, delays, and cancellations of treatment schedules.
She also explained, “The pandemic also temporarily delayed access to…” “screening for many people at high risk.”
Then, she brought in a point many of our readers might have overlooked. She declared that “among diverse communities who have been hardest hit by COVID-19, these difficulties may be even worse.”
Finally, she summarized, “For these reasons and many more, raising awareness and funds for lung health is more important than ever. We encourage our community to get involved in one of the Turquoise Takeover activities this week.”
Lung Cancer Awareness: Turquoise Events in Central Florida
The Turquoise Stone, a Symbol of Healing For Thousands of Years. Thus, the Color Seems Perfect For Celebrating “Lung Cancer Awareness in May.”
By this point in this blog, you might be wondering about Orlando events. Below are two of them we found interesting.
1. Discover More about: Lung Cancer Patient Virtual Meetup
The Lung Association is hosting a free Lung Cancer Patient Virtual Meetup for patients and caregivers on May 11. At the event, AdventHealth’s Dr. Marcelo DaSilva will speak about HER2 lung cancer. Register at Lung.org/patient-meetup.
2. Put a Little Bling in Your Advocacy: Turquoise Takeover Reception:
On Friday, May 14 from 5-7 p.m., the Lung Association is hosting a reception at the Kendra Scott located at the Mall at Millennia. They feature cocktails, light bites, a jewelry raffle, and a Color Bar raffle.
Best of all, “20% of proceeds from that evening and through the weekend go back to support LUNG FORCE.” Find More information on their Facebook page.
A Quick Review: Common Symptoms of Lung Cancer
Lung Cancer symptoms can be easily confused with symptoms of other diseases. FLASS certainly discourages self-diagnosis. However, if you are having any of the following symptoms, we advise you to visit your doctor immediately.
1. The Constant Cough: Do you fight a never-ending cough that does not go away? Or seems to be always worsening?
2. Pain in the Chest: Are you dealing with uncomfortable chest pain? Does it get worse when you breathe deeply, cough, or laugh?
3. The Unintentional Diet: Are you experiencing unexplained weight loss and loss of appetite?
4. Ugly Phlegm: If you are coughing up blood or rust-colored sputum, phlegm, or spit, call your doctor. This is not normal.
5. Recurring Sickness: Are you enduring infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia? Worse yet, do these infections keep returning repeatedly?
Running out of Time
Check Out Your Symptoms and Risk of Lung Cancer. Are You in the High-Risk Group?
You see, the earlier lung cancer is caught, the faster you can begin treatment. Talk to your doctor about screening.
“Screening gives you a chance to find lung cancer early – when it’s small and easier to treat. “Lung cancer screening doesn’t decrease the chance of getting the disease.” However, it “can help lower the risk of dying…”
Lung Cancer Screening: Is it Right for You?
Although we have published the following information previously, it is an appropriate time review. Be aware that The American Cancer Society recommends you have an annual lung cancer screening with a low-dose CT scan if you are in a high-risk group.
- Are you 55 to 74 years old and in fairly good health, but you smoke or have quit within the past 15 years?
- Do you have at least a 30-pack-year smoking history? “A pack-year is the number of cigarette packs smoked each day multiplied by the number of years a person has smoked.” Thus, “Someone who smoked a pack of cigarettes per day for 30 years has a 30 pack-year smoking history, as does someone who smoked 2 packs a day for 15 years.”
- Have you been involved in informed/shared decision-making about the benefits, limitations, and harms of screening with LDCT scans?
- Do you have access to a high-volume, high-quality lung cancer screening and treatment center?
If you answered, “Yes,” to any one of these questions, you should know it’s time to discuss lung cancer screening with your doctor. You are in a high-risk group.
The Accomplishments of Lung Cancer Advocacy
Celebrating and Advocating For Lung Cancer: Research Brings New Treatments to Defeat This Dreaded Disease.
To balance some of the sad statistics at the beginning of this blog, let us note that there “has been a dramatic 33% increase in the survival rate over the past 10 years.”
That’s because research, education, and advocacy are effective in defeating this lethal disease. Early detection is essential.
Again, FLASS joins in the spirit of the American Lung Society’s Lung Force Turquoise Take-Over. Let’s commemorate, celebrate, and advocate “our power to bring about positive change and support those impacted by lung cancer.”
Last week, the Lung Force Walk on May 7th garnered 93 percent of its goal. But it’s not too late to “develop your own personal DIY fundraiser during Turquoise Takeover!” Check it out at this convenient online resource.