Thank you AstraZeneca for sponsoring this post. November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Now more than ever, there is reason for hope. Please visit LIVE W.E.L.L. and LVNG With Lung Cancer for more information. 
Photography by The King’s Rose
Lung Cancer Awareness Month
Prior to becoming a mother, business owner, and author of my blog, I worked as a community health educator for the American Cancer Society (ACS). I received my Master’s degree in Health Education from Utah State University and moved to California newly married, graduated, and landed the job of my dreams! I am passionate about health, wellness, education, and children. So, you can only imagine how ecstatic I was to be selected as a Cancer Control Specialist for ACS. This is nothing more rewarding than to be a part of a nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem. My primary role was to educate the children in the surrounding areas of Los Angeles about cancer prevention.
My time was spent visiting schools and sharing information on how kids can decrease the impact of cancer through 3 specific lifestyle choices which are being tobacco-free, incorporating fruits and vegetables as part of a healthy diet, and engaging in regular physical activity. In addition, I promoted our worksite physical activity and nutrition health programs to companies. It was also a honor to work side-by-side with cancer survivors (who are just the most amazing volunteers and human beings) to spread awareness about our cancer-free initiatives and participate in community events designed to inspire and support those affected by cancer. Research, education, advocacy, and service were the four core initiatives that guided our daily efforts.
I am proud to partner with AstraZeneca in sharing with you that November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month! There is so much to share and discuss about this important health topic. I am grateful for my platform as it allows me to contribute with you in sharing this important message about lung cancer awareness. Creating a dialogue about cancer can be difficult. Many of us have lost a loved one due to cancer. My hope is that this post will provide you with more information about lung cancer and that now more than ever, there is reason for hope.
Lung cancer has no biases, it doesn’t discriminate. Lung cancer can affect anyone. Men, women, and even children can be affected by lung cancer. Whether you are an old smoker, non-smoker, or never smoker, lung cancer can affect you. This message is important. Please, continue to read.
Facts About Lung Cancer
In the United States, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among both men and women, accounting for approximately 154,000 deaths each year and about one-quarter of all cancer deaths – more than breast, prostate and colorectal cancers combined.
In 2018, an estimated 234,000 people will be diagnosed with lung cancer – that is three and a half times the number of seats in a typical professional football stadium.
Stages of Lung Cancer
Lung cancer stage is determined by tumor size and whether it has spread to nearby areas, lymph nodes, or other organs. Some of these stages have unique names, which can sometimes make understanding the types of lung cancer confusing.
With the advancement of treatment options, it is critical for patients not to give up – to be aware of their options and talk to their doctor about what treatments may be appropriate for them.
Treatment Options for Lung Cancer Survivors
Lung cancer treatment is a big decision, and patients deserve the best option for them from the get-go. Just as a team coach wants to draft the best player first rather than wait until a later draft round, there is no type of cancer where you shouldn’t choose your best option first for your specific type of disease. In order to get the best first, you have to test first.
The bottom line is that patients should be their own advocates: get tested for the right treatment options, wait for the results and start on the best option first.
Never Lose Hope
Thank you so much for reading this post. I invite you to join me in creating awareness of Lung Cancer Awareness Month for the month of November. If you have someone in your life who is affected by lung cancer encourage them to become their own health advocate. It is important they understand their diagnosis. It is critical that they have a discussion with their healthcare providers to determine which treatment options are the best for their unique situation. There is reason for hope now more than ever. My love goes out to you if you are affected with lung cancer or know who someone who is. Please contact your healthcare provider to design a personalized treatment plan that works for you or someone who you love that is affected by lung cancer.
Please visit LIVE W.E.L.L.and LVNG With Lung Cancer for more information and feel free to share this post and those links with anyone you know that is affected by lung cancer!
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
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This is such an informative post – I didn’t know very much about lung cancer before reading this…
Author
Hi Kate! Thank you for reading this important post.
Thanks for sharing lung cancer awareness. My family has had its fair share of cancer, so awareness is important to us.
Author
Hi Joshua! Thank you for leaving a comment. Wishing your family the very best!
Lung cancer is close to my heart and I think its such a good thing to make people more aware
Author
Hi Neely! Thank you so much for reading.
Thank you so much for posting this. This is beyond important and can save someones life.
Author
Hi Ally! Thank you so much for your support!
My mother in law had lung cancer. She was only expected to live for a 3 months but ended up living 12 years. She was such a strong woman I look up to her so much.
Author
Hi Jennifer! Oh, my goodness! This is such fantastic news! She is a rock! Thank you so much for sharing!
Thanks so much for sharing about lung cancer. I have learned a lot thru your post. On a side note, I love your outfit and snickers
I didn’t realize you had worked with the cancer society, how awesome to make such a difference! No one in my family has smoked and I do my hardest to keep myself and my boys away from it. And we try to eat well and exercise. I know we can’t prevent cancer, but it definitely helps to try to minimize our risk.
Author
Hi Stephanie! Thank you for stopping by and reading. It sounds like you are doing the right things for you and your family!
We try to do these things, too – AND just before we bought our family house (moving out of the city where all the houses have old lead paint), we got it tested for radon. We were one point under the “unacceptable” limit, meaning we couldn’t get the seller to pay for the remediation, but we did it anyway – just before we bought this house, my mama’s hairdresser (who also lived healthily/never smoked and was just older than me) died of lung cancer quite suddenly, and all they could conclude was that her home’s radon level must have been high!
Author
Hi Flossie! I have never heard of this! I am so sorry to hear that. I am so glad you decided to get the home remediated. You can never be too careful! xo
What an amazing and motivational post. I think this is great how you have done this to raise awareness of lung cancer xx
Author
Thank you so much Melanie!
This is a subject familiar to me, as a member of my family is a survivor and i know others who didn’t fare well. Awareness and affordable treatment are critical conversations we must have.
Author
You have said it so well! Thank you so much for reading!
This is such an informative post about lung cancer! Thanks for spreading awareness!
Author
Hi Kim! I am so glad you found this information helpful.