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
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