November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month and we’re urging all Queenslanders to help destigmatise lung cancer by raising awareness, fostering empathy, and showing support for those affected.
This year alone, around 2150 Queenslanders will be diagnosed with lung cancer and more than 1710 will die of the disease.
While smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, non-smokers and former smokers can also be affected, and patients commonly feel stigmatised by their illness.
Stigma contributes to psychological distress, negatively impacting on the patient’s quality of life and sometimes, tragically, influencing treatment decisions.
Education is vital in helping all Queenslanders understand the many individual and social factors that contribute to smoking and lung cancer – so that those affected don’t have to face cancer alone.
As we work towards a future free of lung cancer, we urge the community to take steps today to help prevent the disease.
Up to one third of all cancers are preventable through healthy lifestyle choices including eating well, increasing physical activity, quitting smoking and participating in regular screening to ensure early detection.
If you’re currently a smoker, quitting today could make a big difference.
If you or someone you know is affected by cancer, please call Cancer Council’s 13 11 20 for access to a comprehensive range of cancer publications, confidential support and referrals.
Thank you for your support of Lung Cancer Awareness Month.
Professor Jeff Dunn AO, Cancer Council Queensland CEO
For more information, please contact:
Kim Ryan, Senior Media Specialist, Cancer Council Queensland
P. (07) 3634 5239 M. 0488 015 702