Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States taking more lives annually than breast, prostate and colon cancers combined.
The American Cancer Society’s estimates for lung cancer in the United States for 2018 are:
About 234,030 new cases of lung cancer (121,680 in men and 112,350 in women).
About 154,050 deaths from lung cancer (83,550 in men and 70,500 in women).
Overall, the chance that a man will develop lung cancer in his lifetime is about 1 in 15; for a woman, the risk is about 1 in 17. These numbers include both smokers and non-smokers. For smokers the risk is much higher, while for non-smokers the risk is lower.
The rate of new lung cancer cases in North Carolina is 70.9, higher than the national rate of 63.0, and ranks 38th among all states.
On Thursday, Nov. 8, FirstHealth of the Carolinas will join communities throughout the United States in hosting the 10th Annual “Shine a Light on Lung Cancer Vigil,” an educational event that focuses on lung cancer treatment and support while honoring those who are living with lung cancer or who have been lost to the disease.
A partnership with the Lung Cancer Alliance, a national advocacy and support organization, the FirstHealth program will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Clara McLean House, 20 FirstVillage Drive, Pinehurst. The program will feature patients who will share their personal stories of lung cancer survival and, weather permitting, a lighting ceremony in the Clara’s House Healing Garden.
For more information or to register for FirstHealth’s “Shine a Light on Lung Cancer Vigil,” call (800) 213-3284. For more information on the cancer services provided by FirstHealth of the Carolinas, visit www.nccancercare.org.
Photo courtesy of Lung Cancer Alliance.
