American Lung Association Takes Aim at COPD, Lung Cancer
Two new web pages are dedicated to raising awareness of both year round, and particularly during November, which is both Lung Cancer Awareness Month and COPD Awareness month.
The American Lung Association has created two new web pages to raise public awareness of two leading causes of death in America: lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD. The pages are ready for November, which is both Lung Cancer Awareness Month and COPD Awareness month.
Lung cancer is the leading cancer killer of men and women in the United States, killing more people than colon, breast, and prostate cancer combined. COPD is the third-leading cause of death in the United States; 12 million Americans have been diagnosed with it, and it is estimated 12 million more have it but have not been diagnosed, according to ALA.
ALA was founded in 1904 as the National Association for the Study and Prevention of Tuberculosis. It launched the Christmas Seals Campaign in 1907 to raise money for a small TB sanatorium, according to the ALA website.
Smoking causes both illnesses. ALA urges smokers to quit and non-smokers not to start smoking. It also advises limiting exposure to secondhand smoke, testing your home for radon, being aware of dust and fumes if you are exposed to them at work, and working with others in your community to fight air pollution.