Monthly Archives: November 2013

Great American Smokeout

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Today is the Great American Smokeout, which was started by the American Cancer Society! The Great American Smokeout is a day where those who smoke, are pushed to take the next steps to quitting. As mentioned in my previous blog post, smoking increases the risk of being diagnosed with Lung Cancer. Smoking also harms those around the smoker through second-hand smoking.

This year, I was blessed to be able to participate in the Great American Smokeout. Students spread themselves out through the central area of campus and held up facts about smoking. It was apparent that such a small gesture made a positive impact on campus.

"Quitting smoking decreases my risk of lung cancer."

“Quitting smoking decreases my risk of lung disease.”

I strongly recommend sharing this post (and the previous post) with those who smoke or with those who have a smoker in their family. Quitting this terrible habit for even one day will benefit the smoker’s body immensely. Happy Great American Smokeout Day!

For more information about the Great American Smokeout visit: http://www.cancer.org/healthy/stayawayfromtobacco/greatamericansmokeout/index

National Lung & Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month

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November is National Lung Cancer Awareness Month and National Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month! During November, cancer organizations put on events to help fight these diseases and raise funds for research.

Here are a few facts about Lung Cancer to raise awareness:

  • When it comes to cancer deaths, Lung Cancer takes the lead.
  • More men than women are diagnosed with Lung Cancer every year.
  • Active smoking is responsible for 90% of Lung Cancer patients.
  • If one is exposed to second hand smoke on a daily basis, their risk for Lung Cancer increases from anywhere between 20-30%.
  • Those who work with cancer causing agents, such as asbestos, arsenic, and radon, are also at a higher risk of being diagnosed with Lung Cancer.
  • Lung Cancer is often diagnosed through a lung biopsy, sputum cytology, bronchoscopy, mediastinoscopy, thoracentesis, CT scan, or PET scan.
  • Like most cancers, Lung Cancer can be treated though surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.

Here are a few facts about Pancreatic Cancer to raise awareness:

  • Unfortunately, Pancreatic Cancer has a low survival rate compared to other types of cancer.
  • Family history of this disease, smoking on a regular basis, consuming alcohol on a regular basis, having a poor diet and having diabetes are major risk factors for this deadly disease.
  • Pancreatic Cancer is usually diagnosed through a physical exam, biopsy, ultrasound, MRI, or an X-Ray.
  • Pancreatic Cancer can be treated through surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, and gastroenterology.

Share these facts about Lung & Pancreatic Cancer with your friends and family to spread awareness and to help prevent these diseases. These types of cancer are extremely deadly, painful, and scary. It is so important that everyone is well-informed about the major facts. Always remember to support all types of cancer throughout the whole year! We are all in this fight together.