By Jordan Moss—
MUNCIE, IN—Friday, August 1, 2025 marks World Lung Cancer Day, a day recognized globally to shine a light on one of the deadliest and most misunderstood forms of cancer. It’s an opportunity to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and emphasize the importance of prevention, research, and early detection.
This day is not just for patients or healthcare professionals, it’s for everyone. Because the truth is simple: anyone with lungs can get lung cancer. Too often, people assume that only smokers are at risk. While smoking is the #1 risk factor, it’s far from the only one. Environmental exposures, such as radon and air pollution, family history, and even past lung illnesses can all contribute to a diagnosis.
The statistics* are staggering: every 2 minutes, someone is diagnosed with lung cancer. It remains the leading cause of cancer death worldwide, taking more lives than breast, colorectal, and prostate cancers combined. But despite its devastating impact, lung cancer continues to receive disproportionately low levels of public attention and funding.
However, there is hope. If lung cancer is caught before it spreads, the chances of surviving 5 years or more improve to over 60%. That’s why early detection is not just helpful, it’s critical. Annual lung cancer screenings can be a powerful tool in catching the disease early, especially in individuals ages 50 to 80 who have a 20 pack-year smoking history, even if they quit years ago.
Screening is simple, non-invasive, and can truly make the difference between life and loss. If this sounds like you or someone you care about, please don’t wait. Call 765-751-2727 to learn how you can access a potentially life-saving lung cancer screening. You may not feel sick, but that doesn’t mean you’re not at risk.
Let’s use World Lung Cancer Day as a reminder to act, not just to remember. Talk to your doctor. Share your story. Encourage someone you love to get screened. When we bring awareness into the open, we reduce fear and replace it with knowledge, compassion, and action.
A simple conversation or a quick phone call today could be the reason someone is still here next year. Let’s work together to protect our lungs and our lives.
Jordan Moss is Program Director for Tobacco Free Coalition of Delaware County.
*Statistics by Becky Butts, IU Health Cancer Center.
