Lung cancer under-estimated in damage and death it brings

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month

SANTA FE – Lung Cancer has long been a killer in New Mexico, the United States, and worldwide. People often underestimate the toll it takes on human lives. November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the impact of the disease – and the resources available to screen and treat it.

The New Mexico Department of Health’s (NMDOH) Cancer Prevention and Control Section and Nicotine Use Prevention and Control (NUPAC) program offer treatment advice and resources that help save lives.

“As someone who lost his father to lung cancer, I feel personally the need to encourage everyone to take the steps necessary to take care of their health,” said NMDOH Secretary Pat Allen. “Not just for themselves, but for the people that matter to them as much as life itself.”

Nicotine use – including smoking and vaping – is the leading risk factor for lung cancer and is responsible for 80% of lung cancer deaths. But 20% of people who have never used nicotine die of lung cancer too.

Although New Mexico has one of the lowest incidence rates of lung cancer in the United States, lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death in the state, with a mortality rate of 21.3 per 100,000 residents, based on data from 2018-2022.

NMDOH recommends seeing a physician if you have any symptoms of lung cancer. These symptoms – as per the Lung Cancer Research Foundation – are all about how you BREATHE:

 

• Blood when you cough or spit.
• Recurring respiratory infections.
• Enduring cough that is new or different.
• Aches or pains in the shoulder, back or chest.
• Trouble breathing.
• Hoarseness or wheezing.
• Exhaustion, weakness or loss of appetite.

 

Even with no symptoms, you should be screened if:

 

• You are between 50 and 80 years of age AND…
• …you smoked at least one pack a day for 20 years.
• You currently smoke or quit within the past 15 years.

 

Reduce your risk of lung cancer. The NMDOH Nicotine Use Prevention and Control (NUPAC) program offers several ways to help cut nicotine out of your life, including calling 1-800-QUIT NOW (1-800-784-8669) for English or 1-855-DEJELO YA (1-855-335-3569) for Spanish, to receive free coaching, nicotine patches or gums. There is also a free web-based service at DejeloYaNM.com that offers additional online support including 24-hour text message support.

 

For teens, Live Vape Free is a text-based program with one-on-one coaching, live text support, and interactive content to help them quit e-cigarettes. To register, teens can text VAPEFREE to 873373.

 

Radon is also a non-nicotine related way to get lung cancer. Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that can be found in homes. If you live in an area with high levels of radon, consider having your house tested for radon exposure and, if needed, take steps to reduce radon levels. More information is available at epa.gov/radon.