November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month

[Karma76]

Posted: 11/12/04 at 11:02am

The following link will take a moment to load. It is in memory of just a few of the wonderful people lost to this disease, including my wonderful dad. Please forward this email to promote education and awareness about Lung Cancer. Thank you!

http://lchelp.com/community/Movie1.html


After please visit the official Lung Cancer Awareness Month website
for more info on how you can help

http://www.lcam.org/

Lung cancer is America's top cancer killer of both men and women. In 2004 it is estimated that 160,440 people will die from lung cancer, which accounts for about 28 percent of all cancer deaths.1

An estimated 173,770 Americans will be diagnosed with lung cancer in 2004. These new cases are estimated to account for 13 percent of all cancer diagnoses.1

While death rates have declined in men since 1991 by about 1.8 percent, female lung cancer death rates have continued to increase. 1

Since 1987, more women have died each year of lung cancer than from breast cancer. The 5-year survival rate for all stages of lung cancer combined is 15 percent.1

In the last decade, lung cancer has claimed the lives of more than 1.5 million Americans. 2

Lung cancer research receives far less funding, per death, than other cancers. Using 2003 National Cancer Institute budget estimates, divided by cancer deaths, shows the NCI spent only $1,740 per lung cancer death-compared to $13,649 per breast cancer death, $10,560 per prostate cancer death, and $4,581 per colorectal cancer death. 3

Addiction to nicotine in tobacco products is the number one cause of lung cancer. Although smoking cessation reduces the risk of lung cancer, former smokers always remain at higher risk than people who have never smoked. Over 50% of people newly diagnosed with lung cancer each year are former or never-smokers. Non-tobacco related causes of lung cancer include exposure to radon, diesel fuel, asbestos, and other toxic chemicals.

Currently, there is no FDA-approved screening test for lung cancer, although research studies are underway. About 85 percent of lung cancer cases are diagnosed in later stages of the disease. If detected early, research shows that 5-year survival rates could reach 80 percent.5

Lung cancer has been the leading cause of cancer deaths among men since the early 1950s and, in 1987, surpassed breast cancer to become the leading cause of cancer deaths in women. 1

A "blame the victim" attitude limits effective personal support and public advocacy for people with lung cancer. 4

1. Cancer Facts and Figures 2004, The American Cancer Society
2. US Mortality Public Use Data Tapes, 1989 to 2000, National Center for Health Statistics,
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2002.
3. 2003 NCI Factbook U.S. Dept. Health and Human Services
4. National Cancer Institute Lung Cancer Progress Review Group report, Dec. 2001
5. Inoue K. et. al, J of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 1998, 116: 407-411

[Fair 2 Middlin]

Posted: 11/12/04 at 11:46am

Thank you for posting this. My mother passed away from lung cancer on New Years Day 2000. She was diagnosed 4 months earlier and was not a smoker.

I miss her everyday.

Updated On: 11/12/04 at 11:46 AM

[NYadgal]

Posted: 11/12/04 at 11:48am

*hug*, Fair!

Yes, thank you for posting this. An insidious disease.

[Broadwayboobs]

Posted: 11/12/04 at 11:48am

Great thread !!! Thanks for the post.

[Karma76]

Posted: 11/12/04 at 1:39pm

Please send it around in an email if you can. Trying to get the word out since most people do not even realize it is the #1 killer and most under funded Cancer or the fact it has an awareness month I lost my dad May 25, 2003 he was 58! In that little video our picture is in there. It is from 1981, me and my sisters were kids and on our big wheels and tricycle with him having the best time. It is my Icon on the Lung Cancer survivor for change website,

http://lchelp.com/community/index.php

here is the link to that in case anyone needs it or would like to learn more.
It is a Horrible disease and more needs to be done. Most people view Lung Cancer as a stigma and like a person brought it on themselves which is sad. Fair 2 Middlin sorry to hear about your mom. : ( I am glad that you enjoyed the post though.

[HeartinNYC]

Posted: 11/12/04 at 2:22pm

THANK YOU for posting this thread.

My mom died of lung cancer with metastases to the brain, liver and spine in January, 2002. She was my only blood relative. I haven't fully "bounced back" yet, and I doubt I ever truly will. For all of you who have lost a loved one to this "invisible" disease, my heartfelt sympathies.

For all of you who smoke...honest to God, I know it's a b*%#@ to give it up. I know it keeps the weight down, looks kind of cool, and all that. But if you could see what my mom went through during the last few months of her life - chemo, radiation, and a miserable quality of life that is impossible to describe...you would call your doctor TODAY and ask for help to quit. YOUR LIFE COUNTS. Give it up for yourself!

[Karma76]

Posted: 11/12/04 at 2:29pm

HeartinNYC I am always here if you ever need to talk! See I am glad I did post this cause I was afraid of being "preachy" and did not want that. BUT i am glad I did cause i would not know there were people on this board affected by this disease as I was!

[Fair 2 Middlin]

Posted: 11/12/04 at 5:47pm

love to you all!

[HeartinNYC]

Posted: 11/12/04 at 6:38pm

Thank you, Karma. Same here - believe me, I am here if you ever want to talk, too. Same to you, Fair2M.

I know cancer isn't a pretty subject. Lung cancer is seriously underfunded in terms of research, so if you ever have the opportunity to financially support a cure, please do. For support and/or further information, please visit http://www.alcase.org/.

My mom was diagnosed at age 64 and died at age 65. She worked hard in the restaurant business all her life, and couldn't wait to retire. Don't let your dreams shatter. Don't smoke.

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 11/13/04 at 12:28am

I'm going out to have a cigarette now.

[Karma76]

Posted: 11/15/04 at 9:55am

I wanted to bump this so it does not get lost. I know it seems a depressing subject but it should not be. I am just trying to create awareness. Also this is not just a smokers cancer...biggest misconception about lung cancer and one of the reasons why it is underfunded.

Here are some people in the public eye that have passed away from lung cancer.

Alan King
Grayson Hall
Gordon Russell
Jim Varney
Salem Days
David Ma Lean
Kim Perrot (32)
Carrie Hamilton (3
Nat "King" Cole (45)
Doug McLure (56)
Warren Zevon (56)
Steve McQueen (50)
Chris Andromidas (50)
Betty Grable (57)
Carl Wison, Beach Boys (51)
Edward R. Morrow (57)
Bobby Bonds, Baseball Player, San Francisco Giants (57)
George Harrison, Beatles, (57)
Elizabeth Montgomery, Actress
Wayne McLaren, Marlboro Man, (51)
Dick Powell (59)
Roger Maris (51)
Larry Linville, M*A*S*H star (60)
Eddie Kendrick (52)
Gary Cooper (60)
Jimmy Dorsey (53)
Gary Crosby (61)
Larry Gilbert, Golfer (54)
Chet Huntley (62)
Mark Belanger, Baltimor Orioles (54)
Cal Ripkin, Sr. (63)
Lee Remick (55)
Franchot Tone (63)
Susan Hayward (55)
Walt Disney (65)
Will Thornbury, Camel Model (56)
Yul Brynner (65)
Eddie Rabbit (56)
George Peppard (65)
Stephen Ambrose (66)
Sarah Vaughan (66)
Spencer Tracy (66)
Patrick O'Neal (66)
Harry Reasoner (60)
Alan J. Lerner (60)
Desi Arnaz (69)
Nancy Walker (69)
Audrey Meadows (69)
Chuck Connors (71)
John Wayne (72)
Ed Sullivan (72)
Leonard Bernstein (72)
Duke Ellington (75)
Mo Howard, Three Stooges (77)
Henry Morgan (79)
Jack Benny (80)
Arthur Godfrey (81)
Updated On: 11/15/04 at 09:55 AM

[NYadgal]

Posted: 11/15/04 at 9:57am

Sending a hug to my BWW friend who lost his mother to lung cancer! (He knows who he is...)

xoxox

[HeartinNYC]

Posted: 11/15/04 at 10:47am

Karma76, thank you for the list. It is depressing to discuss, but hiding our heads in the sand doesn't help, either.

It is very important for everyone to discuss any lung problems with your physician - even if you don't smoke. Chronic bronchitis or a cough that won't go away, etc. So much can be averted with early detection.

[Karma76]

Posted: 11/15/04 at 11:39am

Yeah it is scary to say the least and true, depressing!!! BUT hopefully one day the same amount of research as other cancers go into it and the mortality rate will not be so high!!

November 18th is the great American Smoke out. I still smoke and want to try to use this day to quit. One thing that was great about my dad is he always said he would never tell any of us to stop smoking cause he would be a hypocrite. He had not smoked for 15 years but always said it is up to the individual to make that choice...he hoped by things that happened to him we might quit but never made us feel bad for smoking. He knew how hard it is/was to quit. Plus I can not tell you how many people i encountered while he was sick who never smoked a day in there life...it was quite scary that more is not known about that.

[laactress]

Posted: 11/15/04 at 12:22pm

Thank you for posting that!

TO my mom's mom, my Grandma who I never met cause she died of lung cancer! I still know you see me!

[Karma76]

Posted: 11/15/04 at 1:40pm

No doubt she does : )

[Fair 2 Middlin]

Posted: 11/16/04 at 11:04am

it's still November

[NYadgal]

Posted: 11/16/04 at 11:37am

and I'm still sending hugs to all my friends who have been touched by this disease.

[HeartinNYC]

Posted: 11/16/04 at 12:22pm

*bump*

(for lack of a better phrase!)

[Karma76]

Posted: 11/17/04 at 2:06pm

I just wanted to get this up to the top again. I just want this to get as much attention cause this topic is deserving! Makes me think though that is REALLY is an invisible cancer.

Posted: 11/17/04 at 3:10pm

I find it interesting that "liberal theater people" all talk about how terrible lung cancer is when a large numebr fo them smoke.

[HeartinNYC]

Posted: 11/17/04 at 3:20pm

What kind of logic is that? Who knows (or cares) about the percentage of "liberal theater people" who smoke in relation to whether they approve of smoking or not?

This is not a thread to get bizarre with. For those of us who have lost loved ones to lung cancer, it's a very serious and sad subject.

Posted: 11/17/04 at 3:27pm

I didn't say it was not serious or sad.

[Karma76]

Posted: 11/17/04 at 3:59pm

This post is NOT about smoking or not!!
It is about Lung Cancer which believe it or not takes BOTH kinds of people. Please just keep it at the top of the list for at LEAST the month of November.

I see how the breast cancer post gets bumped and has 19 pages of bumping which is GREAT!!! do not get me wrong i think it is wonderful. BUT this is the #1 killing cancer in both men and women and the most underfunded!!!

We need all the help, advocacy and I see education we can on this disease. I just hope people embrace this post as much as that post. It is a great worthy cause that takes far too too many great and wonderful people.

Updated On: 11/17/04 at 03:59 PM

[Fair 2 Middlin]

Posted: 11/17/04 at 4:11pm

I HATE THIS DAMN STIGMA!

It's why it recieves such a lack of funding.

This pisses me off to no end!