November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in both women and men in the United States, accounting for about 29% of all cancer deaths. Lung cancer has surpassed breast cancer as the leading cause of cancer death in women. According to the National Institute of Health, it is estimated that 215,020 men and women (114,690 men and 100,330 women) will be diagnosed with and 161,840 men and women will die of cancer of the lung and bronchus in 2008.

Only about 2% of those diagnosed with lung cancer that has spread to other areas of the body are alive five years after the diagnosis, although survival rates for lung cancers diagnosed at a very early stage are higher, with approximately 49% surviving for five years or longer.

The American Cancer Society identifies cigarette smoking as the most important risk factor for lung cancer. Risk increases with quantity and duration of cigarette consumption. As part of an effort to raise national awareness of the dangers in smoking, the American Cancer Society has scheduled the Great American Smokeout (GASO) for November 20, 2008.

For more information about Lung Cancer