November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month

According to the American Lung Association, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death overall and among both men and women. In 2019, 23% of all cancer deaths were caused by lung cancer.

Survival rates are high among people who are diagnosed at an early stage. Stage 1 and stage 2 diagnoses have a 59% survival rate. Stage 3 and stage 4 diagnosis rates are 6%. Annual screenings for lung cancer are important for those who are at a higher risk and could help save lives.

LUNG FORCE is uniting people across the country to stand together against lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. visit lung.org/lcam for more information on Lung Cancer Awareness Month.

Stories from Inspire members

The following stories were sourced from members of the Inspire Lung Cancer Survivors Community, developed in partnership with the American Lung Association. If you or someone you know is living with lung cancer, join the community for support, advice, and information.

“That moment of diagnosis 16 months ago was the loneliest moment of my life. All of you have lessened that feeling. I know that I am not alone. While I realize we will probably never have a personal encounter, the common thread of our emotional and physical experience has bound us all together. Tomorrow is another day of hope and acceptance. Sharing here has made that all possible for me. Thank all of you and Happy Thanksgiving.” View post

“My story began 62 years ago with the birth of a baby girl. I loved her and her story was always paramount to me, so when 5 years ago she was diagnosed with Stage 4 NSCLC, I was devastated. Thankfully Keytruda was available and she responded well for 5 years. Now she’s fighting cancer and aplastic anemia and cardiomyopathy. I try not to curse the odds and the triple threat and concentrate on the gift of five years medical science and research gave to us. We traveled, we laughed, we enjoyed holidays, we painted and entertained and above all, we loved!” Received via email

“Some of you may remember my wife Laloune (Magali). We both used her account – never posted very actively but always appreciated hugely your valuable help, guidance and support. She passed away on 25 May in the presence of our daughter and me.

We were an extremely close couple and family. My daughter and I are still being carried by her love, positive energy and warmth, by all the help and advice she gave us and all the things she prepared for us when she was still alive. She never gave up in front of this so unfair and devastating illness. Now we have to follow her example.

I want to send our huge thanks to you all. The information received through this channel was very important for us during the various phases of her illness and the numerous treatments she received. This is a wonderful community!

A lot of strength, courage and good luck to everybody!” View post

“Just had scans and met with my doctor Monday February 1st. And I am still stable. Completed chemo/radiation with a year of durvalumab and have been treatment free since May of 2020. I am glad to say I am a two year survivor of stage IIIB NSCLC adenocarcinoma. I thank God for His faithfulness and mercy on me. Wishing everyone well. Thanks to everyone on this site I love to read all the survivor stories. It gives me lots of hope.” View post