For most college students, the highlight of November is Thanksgiving break, but for some the highlight of November is that it is Lung Cancer Awareness Month.
Whether lung cancer has affected a family member or a friend, it is important that we as active members of society become aware and informed of the dangers to our bodies.
Our lungs allow us to breathe by taking oxygen into our body and then moving waste gasses back out. However, lung tumors can grow very quickly and this uncontrollable growth may spread from one part of the body to another. Smokers have the highest risk of developing lung cancer and this depends on how many cigarettes have been smoked and how long one has been a smoker.
Although nearly ninety percent of lung cancer is caused by smoking, it’s possible for anyone to get lung cancer. Pollution as well as your family’s history are also factors. According to the American Cancer Society, including smokers and non-smokers the chance that a man will develop lung cancer is about 1 in 14 and the chance for a woman is about 1 in 17.
According to the International Association for the study of lung cancer, lung cancer is responsible for approximately 27% of all cancer deaths. It is also one of the leading causes of cancer death in men and women surpassing colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined.
It is crucial that we understand lung cancer because it affects a wide range of people all over the world. Many are being affected by it whether they are teachers, students, or staff at Wright both directly and indirectly.
It is also significant to know about the resources found on campus to help combat health issues. The Wellness Center is located in the Science Building in room 106 by the cafeteria. They can be called at (773) 481-8560 and can provide resources on health issues.
Although lung cancer will not be eradicated tomorrow it is important to start having conversations on difficult topics such as health diseases, and Cancer Awareness Month is just the time to do that.