How to Raise Awareness for Lung Cancer

One way to help prevent lung cancer is to raise awareness about the disease. Although it is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, many people are unaware of what lung cancer is and how to prevent it. Lung cancer begins when abnormal cells divide and grow on or in the lungs. Eventually, these cells can create tumors and spread to other parts of the body. By raising awareness of lung cancer, its causes and treatments, you may be able to save lives all over the country.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Consider sponsoring an event in your area. Some popular events are dances, auctions, luncheons with special guest speakers and walk-a-thons. In addition to showing support for lung cancer research, you can also raise money for a lung cancer charity or nonprofit organization. Follow up the event by contacting the participants.

2. Voice your support though a letter to your local political representatives. You can let them know how important you think lung cancer related legislation is and perhaps even draw their attention to an important contributor to lung cancer, such as secondhand smoke exposure.

3. Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper explaining the risks and the dangers of secondhand smoke. If you're organizing an event for lung cancer awareness in your area, this is also a great way to get free publicity for the event.

4. Distribute lung cancer materials at your local hospital. The Lung Cancer Alliance (see Resources, below) may have ready-made materials that highlight the risks of lung cancer and give tips on how to prevent it.

5. Try your hand at writing a bill. Whether you want to make it illegal to smoke in public places or you want to make the month of May be Lung Cancer Awareness Month in your state, your state legislature's public information office will have the information on how to get this done.

6. Ask your doctor about the possibility of sponsoring a free lung cancer screening clinic, if funds allow. This is a great way to spread the word about lung cancer and possibly encourage early detection of the disease.

Tips & Warnings

• Know that lung cancer patients have the right, under the Consumer Bill of Rights and Responsibilites, to receive respect and consideration throughout their treatment.
• Participating in awareness raising events may be an excellent way for those caring for a lung cancer patient to deal with their emotions and the wide ranging lifestyle changes they have to make.

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