In Nevada in 2011, approximately 1,510 people have been or will be diagnosed with lung cancer; lung cancer the leading cause of cancer death
CARSON CITY, Nev. – In Nevada in 2011, approximately 1,510 people have been or will be diagnosed with lung cancer, and it is estimated that 1,290 will die from the disease.
Because of this, Gov. Brian Sandoval has named November 2011 Lung Cancer Awareness Month. The proclamation came thanks to the diligent efforts of the Nevada Tobacco Prevention Coalition to raise awareness of lung cancer and its effects.
The coalition includes organizations such as American Lung Association in Nevada; Nevada State Medical Association; American Heart Association; American Cancer Society/Cancer Action Network. The Nevada Radiologic Society and Nevada Oncology Society have worked closely with the coalition on its efforts as well.
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death for both men and women, according to the American Cancer Society. Within every ethnic population, in Nevada, the United States and the world, lung cancer kills more Americans than breast, prostate, colon, liver and kidney cancers combined.
In the United States in 2011, an estimated 221,130 people (115,060 men and 106,070 women) have been or will be diagnosed with lung cancer, and an estimated 156,940 people (85,600 men and 71,340 women) will die from lung cancer, accounting for about 27 percent of all cancer deaths.
For people diagnosed with any stage of lung cancer, the five-year survival rate is only 16 percent. For the 56 percent of people who are diagnosed with advanced stage lung cancer, the five-year survival rate is less than 4 percent.
Smoking is the No. 1 cause of lung cancer, contributing to 80 percent and 90 percent of lung cancer deaths in women and men, respectively. Other causes of lung cancer include exposure to cancer-causing substances or carcinogens, such as asbestos, radon, uranium, arsenic and certain petroleum products.
The proclamation cites increased awareness and coordination among all stakeholders, including federal and state governments, public health authorities and health care providers, medical researchers, civic leaders and organizations, businesses and the general public, as critical to promoting access to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of lung cancer.
The mission of the Nevada Tobacco Prevention Coalition is to bring together a diverse group of community leaders to promote healthy lifestyles for all Nevadans, by empowering the state, its communities and its citizens to significantly reduce negative impacts of tobacco use among youth and adults in Nevada.
The members of the Nevada Tobacco Prevention Coalition believe that reduction in the use of tobacco will create healthier lifestyles, longer lives, and a healthier environment for the people of Nevada.
For more information on the Nevada Tobacco Prevention Coalition, visit www.tobaccofreenv.com.