World Lung Cancer Day 2024: Uniting for Awareness and Care

World Lung Cancer Day: Overview and Significance

• World Lung Cancer Day observed annually on August 1 since 2012
• Aims to raise awareness about lung cancer and its impact
• Highlights the need for increased research funding
• 2024 Theme: "Close the Care Gap: Everyone Deserves Access to Cancer Care"
• Unites organizations, healthcare professionals, and advocates
• Promotes early detection and support for those affected
• Emphasizes ongoing research and innovation in lung cancer treatment

Lung Cancer: Facts and Figures

• Leading cause of cancer death worldwide
• Claims approximately 1.8 million lives annually (WHO, 2020)
• Main cause of Lung Cancer: Tobacco smoking
• 15% of lung cancer patients have no history of tobacco use
• Non-smoking causes of Lung Cancer: Air pollution, second-hand smoke, asbestos exposure, radon gas
• 20% of women with lung cancer have never smoked
• Lung cancer in non-smokers is the 6th or 7th most common cause of cancer deaths in the US

Types of Lung Cancer

a) Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

• Most common type
• Multiple treatments available if detected early
• Subtypes:
  • Squamous cell lung carcinoma
  • Adenocarcinomas
  • Adenosquamous carcinoma
  • Large cell carcinoma

b) Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC)

• Rarer but more aggressive
• Limited treatment options, mainly chemotherapy

c) Mesothelioma

• Associated with asbestos exposure
• Aggressive and fast-growing
• Poor response to treatments

Awareness Initiatives and Call to Action

• Lung Cancer Foundation of America (LCFA) observance
• Focus on unity in the fight against lung cancer through early screening
• Special emphasis on Veterans
• Social media takeover to unite for lung cancer awareness
• Campaigns and activities worldwide to highlight research importance
• Educating about risk factors, prevention, and symptoms for early detection
• Promoting access to cancer care for everyone