From: Kylee Jones
Columbus
Each November, we recognize Lung Cancer Awareness Month—a time to raise awareness, offer support, and take action to prevent the nation’s leading cause of cancer death. Lung cancer takes more lives each year than breast, prostate, and colon cancers combined. But there is hope. When detected early, lung cancer is far more treatable, and when tobacco use is reduced, we can prevent countless cases altogether.
One important opportunity to take action is the Great American Smokeout, held this year on Thursday, Nov. 20. This annual event, sponsored by the American Cancer Society, encourages people who smoke to make a plan to quit or to begin their quit journey that day. Quitting smoking is not easy, but it is one of the most powerful steps anyone can take to improve their health. Within just weeks of quitting, circulation improves and lung function begins to heal. Over time, the risk of heart disease, stroke, and cancer drops dramatically.
Support is available for anyone ready to quit. The Indiana Tobacco Quitline (1-800-QUIT-NOW) offers free, confidential help, including personalized coaching, quit plans, and nicotine replacement therapy for those who qualify. Online and text-based options are also available at QuitNowIndiana.com. These free services make it easier to take the first step—and to keep going.
Beyond helping individuals quit, we can all play a role in creating healthier, smoke-free communities. This includes supporting smoke-free air laws, protecting youth from tobacco marketing, and promoting awareness about lung cancer screening for those at higher risk. The more we talk about lung health and tobacco prevention, the more lives we can save.
This November, let’s honor those impacted by lung cancer by taking action—whether that means making a quit attempt, encouraging a loved one, or supporting smoke-free environments. Together, we can build a future where fewer people face lung cancer and everyone has the opportunity to breathe easier.
