Every year, more than 30,000 Canadians are confronted with a harsh reality – a diagnosis of lung cancer.
It’s a disease that strikes, not only the body, but also the spirit of thousands of individuals, families, and communities. It steals breath and hope, and leaves behind a trail of pain and uncertainty. And it’s a disease that doesn’t discriminate, affecting both smokers and non-smokers, men and women, young and old, across all walks of life. Anyone can be at risk.
While we have made significant progress in understanding and treating the disease, there is still so much work to be done. Despite its prevalence and devastating effects, lung cancer remains significantly under resourced and underfunded, and shrouded in misconceptions and stigma.
It’s time we change that.
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, a time to come together to generate support and raise awareness. And a time to address those misconceptions and the stigma that continues to stand in the way.
It’s crucial that we use this month to educate ourselves and to take meaningful actions that can save lives.
The 30,00 Canadians that are diagnosed each year need help – information, support, treatment, and community. They’re our friends and colleagues, our neighbours and loved ones – people located all over Canada, some in hard to reach places. It’s our job to reach them, and to touch their lives with resources, support and advocacy.
At Lung Cancer Canada, we’re committed to helping patients, families and caregivers across this country. Everywhere.
But we can’t do it alone.
As we observe Lung Cancer Awareness Month, let’s commit to making a difference. Let’s educate ourselves and those around us about lung cancer risk factors, symptoms, and prevention strategies. Let’s encourage those at risk to get screened. Let’s challenge the stigma that surrounds lung cancer. And let’s demonstrate our support through the power of generosity.
Join us, and let’s use Lung Cancer Awareness Month as a call to action – to advocate for change, to spread awareness, to extend compassion – and to bring hope for a brighter, healthier future.
Together, we can make a real difference.
To learn more, visit lungcancercanada.ca.
