Lung Cancer Awareness: Understanding the Facts, Embracing Hope & Holistic Support
Introduction
November is recognized globally as Lung Cancer Awareness Month, a timely moment to pause, inform and commit to awareness, early detection and comprehensive care. While lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, there is increasing hope through improved screening, evolving treatments and integrative support.
Understanding Lung Cancer
Lung cancer arises when cells in the lung tissue begin to grow uncontrollably, forming tumours that interfere with normal lung function, oxygen exchange, and can spread to nearby regions or distant sites. The two principal classifications are:
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) — the most common form, accounting for approximately 80–85% of all cases.
Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) — less common, but tends to grow more rapidly and spread earlier.
Although cigarette smoking remains the dominant risk factor in the U.S., a significant and growing number of cases occur in individuals who have never smoked — emphasising that lung cancer is not only a “smoker’s disease”.
Other major risk factors include:
Radon gas exposure (long-term indoor accumulation)
Occupational exposures (asbestos, certain chemicals)
Air pollution and second-hand smoke
Genetic susceptibility
In short: understanding lung cancer means recognising both the common pathways of risk and the surprises, such as lung cancer in never smokers.
Key U.S. Statistics for 2025
In the United States, an estimated 226,650 new cases of lung cancer are projected for 2025.
Approximately 124,730 deaths from lung cancer are expected in 2025, which is about 1 in 5 cancer deaths in the U.S.
The average age at diagnosis is around 70 years old.
Even while incidence and death rates are slowly declining, lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death, taking more lives than breast, prostate, colon cancers combined.
These numbers underline the magnitude of the challenge and also the importance of raising awareness, screening, and support.
The Importance of Early Detection and Screening
One of the most powerful tools in changing lung cancer outcomes is early detection. The longer cancer goes undetected, the higher the likelihood it has spread, and the harder it is to treat.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends annual screening using a low-dose CT (LDCT) scan for high-risk adults: those aged 50 to 80 years, with at least a 20 pack-year smoking history, who are current smokers or have quit within the past 15 years. Screening should stop when a person has not smoked for 15 years or develops a health condition that substantially limits life expectancy or the ability to undergo curative lung surgery.
The update in eligibility criteria has significantly expanded the number of individuals who qualify, offering the possibility to catch more cancers earlier, when they are more treatable.
Implications for readers and clients:
If you or your loved one fall into the high-risk category, talk to your doctor about LDCT screening.
Screening is not perfect, it comes with risks (false positives, over-diagnosis), hence the decision should involve informed discussion.
Early detection doesn’t replace prevention, it complements it.
Holistic Support: Nutrition, Lifestyle & Mindset
At Pure Balance Cancer Support, our philosophy is rooted in caring for the whole person, not only addressing the tumour, but supporting the body, mind, and environment through every step of the journey. Here's how we break it down:
Nutrition for healing
Nutrient-dense diets that support immune health, lung function, and help manage side effects of treatment (fatigue, appetite changes, oxidative stress).
Emphasise anti-inflammatory foods, lean sources of protein, lung-supportive nutrients (e.g., carotenoids, vitamin C, selenium) and hydration.
Work alongside the medical team to tailor nutrition to individual needs and side-effect profiles.
Movement & respiratory health
Gentle, consistent exercise that promotes lung capacity (e.g., walking, swimming, breathing exercises)—especially important after lung involvement.
Stress-reduction techniques: yoga, meditation, mindfulness to calm the nervous system, which indirectly supports immune and respiratory health.
Environment: ensuring clean indoor air, reducing exposures (radon, pollutants), and cessation of tobacco and second-hand smoke.
Mind-body connection & community
Cancer diagnosis often triggers emotional, spiritual, and identity shifts. Addressing these openly builds resilience.
Community and peer support are vital, knowing you’re not alone matters.
Establish trust · Share stories · Build micro-goals (not just survival, but thriving).
Cultivate a sense of purpose: “What is my ‘why’ during every phase of this journey?”
Risk reduction and prevention beyond smoking
Smoking cessation remains the #1 modifiable risk factor. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), smoking is linked to about 80–90% of lung cancer deaths in the U.S.
Test home for radon, ensure adequate ventilation and air filtration. Radon is a significant risk factor even for never-smokers.
Be aware of occupational exposures and ambient air pollution, especially where you live or work.
Through these pillars, we aim to empower individuals not just to manage lung cancer, but to live fully beyond diagnosis.
Raising Awareness and Offering Hope
This November, during Lung Cancer Awareness Month, let’s honour every individual impacted by lung cancer, whether you’re a survivor, caregiver, loved one, or professional. Awareness is more than a ribbon; it is knowledge, action, and compassion.
Together we can:
Encourage high-risk individuals to explore screening options.
Advocate for cleaner air, safer environments and better risk-reduction policies.
Support those navigating lung cancer with empathy, nutrition, lifestyle and community.
Remind each person in the lung cancer journey that they are not alone.
At Pure Balance, we’re here to walk beside you. We don’t just look at the tumour, we look at you.
In Closing
Lung Cancer Awareness Month is a reminder that education saves lives and compassion fuels healing. Whether you’re navigating your own diagnosis, supporting someone you love, or simply wanting to learn, your awareness matters.
Act now. Ask questions. Build your support system. Choose steps, however small, toward health and vitality.
Because awareness is the first step. Action creates hope.
Sources
American Cancer Society — Key Statistics for Lung Cancer (2025)
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/lung-cancer/about/key-statistics.htmlLung Cancer Research Foundation — Lung Cancer Facts
https://www.lungcancerresearchfoundation.org/for-patients/lung-cancer-facts/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — Lung Cancer Risk Factors and Statistics
https://www.cdc.gov/lung-cancer/risk-factors/index.htmlU.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) — Lung Cancer Screening Recommendation
https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/home/getfilebytoken/gpMtFCtW7cvssqc6wRuogmLung Cancer Today / Journal of Clinical Oncology (JCO) — 2025 Cancer Statistics Report: Lung Cancer Remains Leading Cause of Cancer Mortality in the U.S.
https://www.lungcancerstoday.com/post/2025-cancer-statistics-report-lung-cancer-remains-leading-cause-of-cancer-mortality-in-usNational Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) — Implementation of Updated Lung Cancer Screening Guidelines (PMC8619807)
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8619807/CU Anschutz Cancer Center — Drop in Lung Cancer Deaths and Incidence (2025)
https://news.cuanschutz.edu/cancer-center/drop-in-lung-cancer-deaths-incidence-2025-cancer-statisticsPeople.com — Radon and Lung Cancer: How to Test Your Home
https://people.com/radon-lung-cancer-in-home-how-to-test-8642354
