LUNG CANCER AWARENESS MONTH--A BREATH OF FRESH AIR
A Breath of Fresh Air
November is
Lung Cancer Awareness month and most people don’t associate optimism with lung
cancer; however, it is time to visualize a change—a change in lung cancer
stigma, lung cancer prevention, control, and awareness. Lung cancer was considered a crucible—an
intense traumatic and sometimes unexplained event. Society was always lashing out at patients
for smoking, but now thanks to many influential lung cancer organizations and
leaders in research developments with encouraging treatments, we can be
aspiring and motivated in our passion for lung cancer reduction with
confidence. However, this depends on
speaking with a compelling voice, engaging others with commitment, in policy
reform, monetary contributions and a societal change in empathy and survivorship.
For years we have encountered learned helplessness when it comes to lung cancer, becoming passive, pessimistic with depression and anxiety. However, times, attitudes, awareness, and research are changing those outdated behaviors and feelings. With the strength of emotional, spiritual, scientific and legislative support, lung cancer can be wrapped in positive stories of survivorship. What is needed for this to occur continuously is perseverance and a resolve to make it happen.
Encouraging advances such as biomarker testing—testing cancer tissue for changes in genes or proteins—and liquid biopsies are making it possible for targeted treatment to be based on this type of data. Support for lung cancer research funding from the federal government will encourage more exploration into these new advances which may result in improved plans for treatments with precision medicine and clinical trials to explore possibilities of effective treatment. Immotherapy is another critical advancement for overcoming lung cancer.
We all have a stake in the future of lung cancer and need to take leadership rolls to join the movement of erasing the stigma of lung cancer with advocacy to create an envisionment that eliminates the fact that annually over 200,000 people are being diagnosed with the greatest cancer killer of all—lung cancer. Early detection is a powerful advantage and a proven successful strategy in long-term survival and overcoming lung cancer. Low dose CT scans screening for lung cancer are available for long-time heavy smokers but should also be available for individuals exposed to elevated levels of radioactive radon gas as well. Smoking and exposure to radon gas are the leading causes of lung cancer.
Preventive care is critical in the journey of visualizing a future when lung cancer is no longer the greatest cancer kill of both men and women. The impact of federal funding and collaborating with federal and state legislators for radon awareness and reduction policies and research advancements will help save lives. Become a catalyst for change; influence your legislators to test our schools for radon and appeal to Congress for a commitment to increase the funding for lung cancer research.
When my husband passed with lung cancer, nearly 14 years ago, none of this treatment was available nor was the awareness of the danger radioactive radon gas exposure common knowledge with the general public. We are making progress but It doesn't happen without a sincere desire to make a difference with relentless hours of effort.
Sincere thanks to Congressional champions like Rick Nolan of Minnesota and Frank LoBiondo of New Jersey for support in research funding.
Much thanks to the Interior, Environment, and Related Agency House Subcommittee members Idaho Rep. Mike Simpson; Ohio Rep. David Joyce; Maine Rep. Chellie Pingree; New York Rep. José Serrano; Illinois Rep. Mike Quigley; New Jersey Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman; Michigan Rep. Brenda Lawrence; Utah Rep. Chris Stewart; Nevada Rep. Mark Amodei; Washington Rep. Derek Kilmer; and Minnesota Chairperson Betty McCollum for the continuing funding of the State Indoor Radon Grants. Much more needs to be achieved on the state and federal levels, and we are very thankful for your continued support in helping to save lives.
Gloria Linnertz
Director/Founder
Citizens for Radioactive Radon Reduction
October 20, 2019
seascape@htc.net
618 830 4660
For years we have encountered learned helplessness when it comes to lung cancer, becoming passive, pessimistic with depression and anxiety. However, times, attitudes, awareness, and research are changing those outdated behaviors and feelings. With the strength of emotional, spiritual, scientific and legislative support, lung cancer can be wrapped in positive stories of survivorship. What is needed for this to occur continuously is perseverance and a resolve to make it happen.
Encouraging advances such as biomarker testing—testing cancer tissue for changes in genes or proteins—and liquid biopsies are making it possible for targeted treatment to be based on this type of data. Support for lung cancer research funding from the federal government will encourage more exploration into these new advances which may result in improved plans for treatments with precision medicine and clinical trials to explore possibilities of effective treatment. Immotherapy is another critical advancement for overcoming lung cancer.
We all have a stake in the future of lung cancer and need to take leadership rolls to join the movement of erasing the stigma of lung cancer with advocacy to create an envisionment that eliminates the fact that annually over 200,000 people are being diagnosed with the greatest cancer killer of all—lung cancer. Early detection is a powerful advantage and a proven successful strategy in long-term survival and overcoming lung cancer. Low dose CT scans screening for lung cancer are available for long-time heavy smokers but should also be available for individuals exposed to elevated levels of radioactive radon gas as well. Smoking and exposure to radon gas are the leading causes of lung cancer.
Preventive care is critical in the journey of visualizing a future when lung cancer is no longer the greatest cancer kill of both men and women. The impact of federal funding and collaborating with federal and state legislators for radon awareness and reduction policies and research advancements will help save lives. Become a catalyst for change; influence your legislators to test our schools for radon and appeal to Congress for a commitment to increase the funding for lung cancer research.
When my husband passed with lung cancer, nearly 14 years ago, none of this treatment was available nor was the awareness of the danger radioactive radon gas exposure common knowledge with the general public. We are making progress but It doesn't happen without a sincere desire to make a difference with relentless hours of effort.
Sincere thanks to Congressional champions like Rick Nolan of Minnesota and Frank LoBiondo of New Jersey for support in research funding.
Much thanks to the Interior, Environment, and Related Agency House Subcommittee members Idaho Rep. Mike Simpson; Ohio Rep. David Joyce; Maine Rep. Chellie Pingree; New York Rep. José Serrano; Illinois Rep. Mike Quigley; New Jersey Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman; Michigan Rep. Brenda Lawrence; Utah Rep. Chris Stewart; Nevada Rep. Mark Amodei; Washington Rep. Derek Kilmer; and Minnesota Chairperson Betty McCollum for the continuing funding of the State Indoor Radon Grants. Much more needs to be achieved on the state and federal levels, and we are very thankful for your continued support in helping to save lives.
Gloria Linnertz
Director/Founder
Citizens for Radioactive Radon Reduction
October 20, 2019
seascape@htc.net
618 830 4660
posted by Gloria Linnertz @ 4:03 PM
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