Did you know that 1 in 16 people will get lung cancer in their lifetime?
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S., according to the American Lung Association. As we observe Lung Cancer Awareness Month this November, it is crucial to shed light on a disease that affects thousands of New Yorkers each year. It impacts families, friends, and communities across our state.
There is a common misconception that lung cancer is only associated with smoking when, in fact, non-smokers can also develop this disease. Approximately 20% of lung cancer patients have never smoked, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Factors such as radon exposure, secondhand smoke, and air pollution can also contribute significantly to lung cancer risk.
During this specially designated month, it is important that we gather as a community to raise awareness and educate the public about all the different risk factors that should be avoided and the importance of early detection.
The sooner lung cancer is detected, and if it’s detected at an early age, the survival rate is approximately 56% higher for localized lung cancer, compared to just 5% for advanced stages, according to the National Cancer Institute. Unfortunately, many people don’t pay attention to the early warning signs like persistent cough, chest pain, and unexplained weight loss because they can often be mistaken for less serious conditions.
Even if you have no symptoms, you should still be screened if you are between the ages of 50 and 80 and you have smoked at least one pack a day for 20 years and you currently smoke or quit within the past 15 years, according to the Lung Cancer Research Foundation.
In New York, we are fortunate to have access to some excellent medical facilities and research institutions. However, there are disparities when it comes to accessing screenings and treatment options. Minority communities and low-income populations often face barriers that prevent them from receiving timely care. Addressing these disparities is not just a health issue, it is a moral imperative.
As your Senator, I am committed to advocating for increased funding for lung cancer research and public health initiatives that promote awareness and education. We must prioritize investment in innovative screening technologies and ensure that all New Yorkers have access to these life-saving resources. I have introduced a bill (S8553), which passed the Senate, that would require health insurance coverage for follow-up lung cancer screenings.
I urge my colleagues, community leaders, and constituents to join me in raising awareness this Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Together, we can work towards a future where lung cancer is detected early, treated effectively, and ultimately, where fewer lives are lost to this devastating disease.
Let us honor those who have battled lung cancer by taking action and spreading awareness. For more information on lung cancer resources and how to get involved, please visit the Lung Cancer Research Foundation at lungcancerresearchfoundation.
