Introduction:
Lung cancer is the most common type of cancer in the world and it takes more lives every year than breast, colon and prostate cancers combined.
Facts:
- Smoking is the most common cause of lung cancer. Likelihood of developing the disease can be reduced by quitting smoking and secondhand smoking and other types of smoking such as hookah.
- Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer. It is a radioactive gas that comes from rocks, dust and building materials. The gas is of low concentrations in the open air and high levels inside homes and buildings.
- There are other risk factors for lung cancer such as: environmental factors, exposure to radiation, some chronic lung diseases, and a history of lung cancer…etc.
- Lung cancer may affect all categories whether old or young, men or women, smokers or non-smokers.
- Early CT screening reduced death rates by 16-20% compared to x-ray screening.
- Lung cancer can be treatable if it is caught early.
- Many people do not have symptoms in the early stages of the disease.
- Periodic screening of the lung for early detection of the disease.
- Physical activity may lower the risk of lung cancer by 20%, as it improves lung function and protects it against many diseases.
Objectives:
- Raise awareness about lung cancer and reduce associated deaths.
- Support researches to find treatment.
- Draw attention to the disease.
Official Date:
- Globally: November 1st-30th, 2017
- Locally: Safar 12th- Rabi' al-awwal 12th, 1439H.
Theme of Lung Cancer Awareness Month:
Target Groups:
- Lung cancer patients and their families.
- Smokers and secondhand smokers.
- Health professionals including doctors, nurses, pharmacists and health educators.
- Health organizations and associations.
- The public
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