Lung Cancer Awareness Month: Breaking Barriers to Champion the Cause

• Written by Mudit Handa

  Reviewed by Ritika Malik

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Lung cancer presents a substantial global health and economic catastrophe. In 2022 alone, nearly 2.5 million people were diagnosed with lung cancer, and the disease tragically claimed over 1.8 million lives, making it the most common cancer type and the leading cause of cancer death worldwide.*

Given the enormity of this burden and the fact that lung cancer is largely preventable, November is observed as Lung Cancer Awareness Month globally. Organisations during this month will focus on implementing effective public health policies to reduce their incidence, offering immense benefits for both individuals and society.

Lung Cancer: It’s Deadly Reach from Global to Indian Context

The economic impact of lung cancer globally is staggering. Recently, the researchers from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)have estimated that the global loss in societal contributions due to premature lung cancer deaths reached US$88 billion in 2022, highlighting it as the primary cancer type contributing to lost productivity.*

In the Indian context, lung cancer continues to be the most prevalent cancer type among Indian males, according to the 2024 report by the Indian Journal of Medical Research (IJMR). The overall lung cancer incidence in India is expected to rise from 63,807 cases in 2015 to 81,219 in 2025, accounting for 8% of cancer-related mortality in India. Alarmingly, lung cancer causes 60,000 annual deaths in India.**

What is the History Behind Lung Cancer Awareness Month?

World Lung Cancer Awareness Month was launched in 2012 by the Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS) and its partner organisations. This initiative aims to increase public awareness of lung cancer, recognised as the world's deadliest cancer, and to promote early diagnosis and improved treatment options.

Know more about Lung Cancer.

What is the Lung Cancer Awareness Day theme for 2025?

The theme for Lung Cancer Awareness Day 2025 will be:

“Breaking Barriers: Championing Early Detection and Equal Care”

The core focus of this theme is to address the pressing need for rapid diagnosis, remove barriers to early screening and treatment, and guarantee equitable access to care for all individuals.

What are the Objectives Behind Lung Cancer Awareness Month?

World Lung Cancer Awareness Month serves as a global initiative to unite people in the battle against lung cancer, which is recognised as the leading worldwide cause of cancer-related deaths. Accordingly, the lung cancer research organisations aim to fulfil the following objectives:

• Raising Public Awareness: Educates the public about the prevalence, risk factors, and symptoms of lung cancer, which remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related death globally.
• Encouraging Early Detection: Highlights the importance of screening for high-risk individuals (e.g., current or former heavy smokers) using low-dose CT scans, as early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes and survival rates.
• Reducing Stigma: Works to combat the pervasive stigma associated with lung cancer, which is often mistakenly viewed only as a "smoker's disease," thereby ensuring that all patients receive empathy and access to care, regardless of their history.
• Promoting Smoking Cessation and Prevention: Advocates for effective tobacco control policies, smoking cessation programs, and public health initiatives to prevent the primary cause of lung cancer. It also raises awareness of other risk factors, such as radon exposure and air pollution.
• Advocating for Research and Funding: Calls for increased investment in research to develop better diagnostic tools, innovative treatments (such as targeted therapies and immunotherapy), and ultimately, a cure for lung cancer.
• Supporting Patients and Caregivers: Provides a platform for patient advocates and organisations to share resources, emotional support, and the latest information to help individuals and families cope with the challenges of a lung cancer diagnosis.
• Highlighting Progress in Treatment: Showcases the significant advancements in lung cancer treatment, moving from a one-size-fits-all approach to personalised medicine based on molecular and genetic markers, offering new hope to patients.

Over the past few years, rigorous research and development have led to the evolution of various pioneering methods to diagnose and treat lung cancer to avert death.

Low-Dose Lung Cancer Screening: A Revolution to Defeat Lung Cancer

Years of relentless research and development have given shape to a new miracle of technology: the Low-Dose Lung Cancer Screening Method.

• This specialised X-ray procedure involves lying on a sliding table while the machine takes multiple images. 
• A computer then compiles these images to create a detailed picture of the lungs. 

Research has demonstrated that this low-dose cancer screening test can significantly lower the mortality rate among high-risk patients. For individuals at high risk, particularly current or former smokers aged 50 and above, a low-dose CT scan offers a vital tool for early lung cancer detection. 

This year, Lung Cancer Awareness Day will emphasise the use of such groundbreaking technology to detect cancer in its early stages.

How to Be a Flagbearer on Lung Cancer Awareness Day?

Self-care is the key to imparting awareness. So, here’s how you should go about it:

• Get Screened: If you are a current or former heavy smoker, check if you meet the criteria for Low-Dose CT (LDCT) lung cancer screening. Early detection is crucial.
• Educate Others on Risk Factors: Share information about the significant risk factors for lung cancer, including smoking (first- and second-hand), radon exposure, occupational hazards, and family history.
• Share Survivor Stories: Connect with survivors of lung cancer by wearing white, as it is the theme colour. Amplify their voices to reduce the stigma associated with the disease and provide hope.
• Host a Fundraiser or Awareness Event: Organise a local walk, run, or seminar to raise funds and local awareness for the cause.
• Utilise Social Media: Participate in online campaigns by using relevant hashtags (e.g., #LCAwareness, #LCAM) to share facts and resources about the disease, detection, and treatment advancements.
• Advocate for Tobacco Control: Support local and national policies aimed at reducing tobacco use and protecting non-smokers from second-hand smoke.

Besides, you must educate the public about the the role of advanced health coverage in coping with the financial crisis posed by high-end cancer treatment.

Cancer Mediclaim: Your Safety Net Against Medical Crises

Cancer is indeed a medical and financial catastrophe that can engulf the savings and peace of an entire family. However, not so if there’s a safety net in the form of an affordable health insurance plan. These days, many government and private health insurance plans cover lung cancer screening without cost-sharing, but eligibility criteria vary based on the type of plan you have, and many plans are currently updating their criteria to match new guidelines. 

It would be better to opt for a comprehensive mediclaim plan that ensures complete coverage without caps and sub-limits, such as Care Cancer Mediclaim. However, you should always carefully refer to the waiting period clause to provide timely coverage. 

Disclaimer: It is essential to verify the policy details and coverage with the official policy documents. Additionally, please consult a professional medical expert to confirm the details of your health concerns.