Did you know that approximately 30-50% of all cancer cases are preventable?! This is why early prevention, detection, and pre screenings are so important. It is more important for those people who are already at high risk.
During National Lung Cancer Prevention month, we are focusing on bringing awareness to this disease by sharing how early lung cancer dectionion can not only save lives but can lead to longer lives.
Louisiana has the fifth-highest lung cancer mortality rate in the nation, with 218.2 per 100,000 Louisianans dying from the disease annually. Because of Louisiana’s high rate of cancer mortality, the Louisiana Legislature established the Louisiana Cancer Research Center (LCRC) in 2002. The research center helps with the early diagnosis of different cancers to prevent them from getting worse.
Today there are several types of lung cancers. It is estimated that lung cancer in general makes up 40 percent of all cancers diagnosed in the United States. Some of those cancers are caused from smoking, obesity, genetics, and lifestyle choices.
However there are rare forms of cancer in and around the lungs that are not associated with lifestyle choices but with outside factors that are out of your control.
Some examples include:
- Environmental pollution
- Occupational hazards
- Asbestos exposure
- Radon gas exposure
Mesothelioma is a rare form of lung cancer that affects on average 3,ooo people a year. It is caused by exposure to asbestos. Although lung cancer and mesothelioma are similar types of cancers that can affect the lungs, there is one major difference between the two.
The difference is where the cancer resides.
Lung cancer starts and grows inside the lungs. Mesothelioma causes tumors of the tissue that surrounds the outside of the lungs, diaphragm and chest cavity.
Here are 3 things you can do this month to help to bring awareness to your friends, family, and community about how important early prevention is.
1. Get A Pre-Screening Test Done
What is lung cancer screening and who should get it done. A lung cancer screening is a scan of your lungs that will detect abnormal growths that may be associated with cancer. The type of scan used is called a CT scan.
Typically, only high risk individuals get screened. You can be considered at risk if you are:
- ages 55 to 74 years old
- currently smoking or quit within the past 15 years
- are exposed to outdoor pollutants, toxins, and asbestos
- have a family history of cancer
There are middle aged people that do get screened even though they have no signs or symptoms of lung cancer or mesothelioma cancer and have not been diagnosed with it in the past. This is by far the most valuable way to prevent any early onset of lung cancer before it has a chance to do serious damage.
If you are looking for a time and place to do a test, The Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center has a calendar of screening times in the Louisiana area. You can view their event calendar HERE.
2. Start A Conversation About Lifestyle Changes
We all know having a healthy lifestyle is important but often easier said than done. Using your family and friends as an accountability partner can be a great asset when making changes.
The idea is to start small and work your way up to the healthiest you that you can be. Here are a few ways to accomplish this:
- If you are a smoker work on quitting
- Try to eat more fruits and vegetables
- Take supplements to boost your immune system
- Do mild exercise like taking a walk
- Try to cut down on fatty, fried, and sugar loaded foods
- Remove yourself from all known toxins and pollutants if you can
We all have to begin somewhere and it is always easier to do these things with someone by your side. Never forget there is strength in numbers.
3. Wear It Loud And Proud
There are a variety of ways to spread the word without actually speaking. You can wear a ribbon on your shirt. There are tons of lung cancer prevention apparel and products including pins, shirts, hats, tumblers, jewelry, and even temporary tattoos.
Literature always provides valuable information. You can hand out flyers, posters, and pamphlets within your community. Attending events is also a great way to support lung cancer prevention month.
Contact Us When You Need To
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma we are New Orleans, Louisiana best asbestos and lung cancer lawyers who are here to fight for your rights by providing aggressive and innovative representation with a personal touch.
We offer free consultations, weekend and evening appointments, and we’ll travel to you. Give us a call at (504) 299-1214 or contact us with your questions and for help with your case.