November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about one of the most deadly yet preventable cancers. In Kentucky, the significance of this month is particularly profound, as the state has one of the highest rates of lung cancer in the United States. With this heightened focus on lung cancer each November, advocates, healthcare providers and community organizations across Kentucky work together to educate the public, promote early detection, encourage prevention and support those affected by the disease.

Kentucky’s lung cancer rates are among the highest in the nation, with contributing factors that range from high smoking rates to environmental exposures. Nearly 26% of Kentucky adults are smokers—well above the national average—and cigarette smoking remains the leading cause of lung cancer. The state’s history of coal mining and other industries also means residents may face additional risks from environmental exposures to radon and other carcinogens. Lung Cancer Awareness Month provides an important opportunity to highlight these risk factors, educate communities, and inspire actions that can reduce lung cancer’s toll on Kentuckians.
The focus of Lung Cancer Awareness Month is threefold: education, prevention and support.

1. Education and Early Detection: A critical goal is raising awareness about the importance of early detection. Many Kentuckians may not know about the screening options now available, such as low-dose computed tomography (LDCT), which can detect lung cancer at an earlier and more treatable stage. This month provides a chance for healthcare providers to promote screening options, especially for high-risk individuals like smokers or those with a family history of lung cancer. Early detection can significantly improve
   survival rates, but it requires awareness and accessibility.
2. Promoting Smoking Cessation: Education around the risks of smoking and the benefits of quitting is a key focus in Kentucky, where smoking rates remain high. During Lung Cancer Awareness Month, local organizations often partner with healthcare providers to offer smoking cessation resources and programs. Schools, workplaces, and public spaces may host events that emphasize the health benefits of quitting smoking and offer practical support, such as access to counseling or nicotine replacement options.
3. Increasing Awareness about Environmental Risks: Besides smoking, exposure to radon gas is a significant risk factor for lung cancer, and Kentucky residents are at an increased risk due to the state’s geography. Lung Cancer Awareness Month allows for increased education about radon and other environmental hazards. Programs that promote radon testing and mitigation can be especially impactful in Kentucky, where approximately 40% of homes may have radon levels above the EPA’s recommended limit.
4. Support for Patients, Survivors and Families: Lung cancer impacts not only those diagnosed but also their families and communities. Events during Lung Cancer Awareness Month often include support groups, survivor networks, and resources for families navigating treatment and caregiving. Many Kentuckians facing lung cancer have experienced the stigma associated with it, often due to the strong association with smoking. Raising awareness helps dismantle this stigma, promoting compassion and empathy for all patients, regardless of their smoking history.

If you live in Kentucky, you can help support Lung Cancer Awareness Month by:

• Sharing information on social media to spread awareness about lung cancer risks, the importance of early screening, and available resources.
• Participating in local events, such as walks, health fairs, or screenings, to show support and learn more about how lung cancer affects Kentuckians.
• Encouraging loved ones who are at risk to get screened, as early detection can save lives.
• Volunteering with lung cancer organizations or donating to research programs to help fund the ongoing fight against lung cancer.

Lung cancer awareness is more than just a health issue in Kentucky; it’s a matter of saving lives and building healthier communities. By increasing awareness around screening, prevention, and support, Kentucky can make strides in reducing lung cancer rates, improving survival rates and offering more compassionate care to those affected. Through collaborative efforts, education, and compassion, Kentucky can make strides toward a future where lung cancer is no longer the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the state.