World Lung Cancer Day is annually observed across the globe on 1st August to create awareness about the causes and treatment of lung cancer and to educate people about the habits and factors that can cause lung cancer.
- The day also aims to focus more on lung cancer research and arrange financial and moral support for it.
Symbol: Pearl or White-coloured Ribbon represents Lung Cancer Awareness.
Background:
i.The campaign for World lung cancer Day was first organized in 2012 by the Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS) in collaboration with the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) and the American College of Chest Physicians.
ii.The IASLC World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC) is the only global organization, solely dedicated to the study of lung cancer-related problems.
- It educates people about the major risk factors of lung cancer such as Tobacco smoking, Radon, Asbestos, etc.
Lung Cancer :
Lung cancer is a type of cancer that starts when abnormal cells grow in an uncontrolled way in the lungs and may spread to lymph nodes or other organs in the body, such as the brain. Cancer from other organs also may spread to the lungs
Types:
The most common types of lung cancer include lung nodules, Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) and mesothelioma.
Key Points:
i.According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, accounting for the highest mortality rates among both men and women.
- Lung cancer is responsible for nearly one in 5 cancer deaths. While lung cancer and breast cancer are diagnosed at the same rate (11.6% percent), lung cancer kills more people yearly than breast, colon, and prostate cancers combined.
- Lung cancer mortality is projected to reach 2.45 million by 2030, a 39% increase in just over a decade.
- Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, responsible for approximately 85% of all cases.
ii.Air pollution, particularly Particulate Matter (PM)2.5, is a significant factor associated with lung cancer and has been classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the IARC since 2013.
- According to WHO, 99% of the world’s population breathes unhealthy air.
Related Observance:
i.World Cancer Day is annually observed across the globe on February 4, to promote awareness of cancer as a public health issue.
ii.This global initiative is led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC).
IASLC 2023 World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC):
i.The conference is organized by the International Conference Services Ltd. (ICS), International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) and will be held from September 9 – 12, 2023 at Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre, Suntec City, Singapore, Singapore.
ii.WCLC 2023 is a global, multi-disciplinary meeting designed for physicians, nurses, clinicians, researchers, scientists, survivors, and advocates.
About the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC):
President– Dr. Heather Wakelee (the United States of America (USA))
Headquarters– – Denver, Colorado, USA
Founded in– 1974
