It's no secret: Smoking is the #1 risk factor for developing lung cancer. That warning is published on every pack of cigarettes manufactured in the U.S. However, the public is largely unaware of other factors and population groups with greater risk for developing lung cancer. Lung cancer screening protocols are not widely embraced as the standard of care. Few know warning signs and symptoms of lung cancer. And evidence shows that lung cancer stigma diminishes patient health and survival.
Dusty Joy Foundation, therefore, is committed to promoting lung cancer education, early detection and compassion. Our organization educates the general public, as well as underserved population groups with an increased risk of developing lung cancer and/or dying from the disease. We conduct public awareness campaigns to serve the public at large, high-risk groups, such as those listed below, as well as others that may become known in the future:
Dusty Joy Foundation, therefore, is committed to promoting lung cancer education, early detection and empathy. The Foundation educates the general public, as well as underserved population groups with an increased risk of developing lung cancer and/or dying from the disease. The Foundation advances public awareness campaigns that serve the public at large, high-risk groups listed below and others that may become known in the future:
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Former smokers. Half of new diagnoses in the U.S. are in former smokers, many of whom quit more than a decade prior to their diagnosis. This population group is often unaware of their elevated risk of developing lung cancer.
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Radon. Radon is the number one cause of lung cancer among never-smokers and the overall second leading cause of lung cancer. Residents of geographical areas with high radon levels may develop lung cancer--even if they never smoked. Radon exposure greatly increases the risk of developing lung cancer in smokers and former smokers.
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African-American males. This population segment has a considerably higher risk for developing lung cancer and dying from the disease compared to Caucasian males with similar smoking history.
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Veterans. U.S. military veterans have significantly higher lung cancer incidence rates and mortality rates than civilian population.
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Family history of lung cancer. Researchers have discovered evidence of a possible inherited component for lung cancer. Exposure to even small amounts of environmental risks may cause lung cancer in those with this inherited risk factor.
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Marijuana smokers. Cannabis may have a greater potential than tobacco to cause lung cancer. One marijuana joint carries the carcinogens of a full pack of cigarettes.
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Nonsmoking women. One woman in five and one man in 12 diagnosed with lung cancer has never smoked.
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Asian women. Women of Asian descent are disproportionately diagnosed with a particular type of lung cancer known as bronchioloalveolar carcinoma (BAC), a subtype of non-small cell lung cancer often seen in never smokers.
Our organization elevates awareness so those at risk for developing lung cancer understand their risks and may seek medical advice early. Early detection of lung cancer dramatically increases five-year survival rates from 1 percent (Stage IV) to 49 percent (Stage IA).
In June 2011, the New England Journal of Medicine published research concluding that by screening high-risk persons for lung cancer, the lung cancer mortality rate will be reduced by 20 percent. (Read article here: Reduced Lung-Cancer Mortality with Low-Dose Computed Tomographic Screening.) That amounts to 32,000 lives saved in the U.S. alone. Our organization looks forward to the day when screening for the #1 cancer killer is as common as screening for the other major cancers, including breast, colon and prostate. Until that day, our organization will educate those at risk about lung cancer symptoms, CT screening and other early detection options available.
Through education, we also hope to increase compassion for those touched by lung cancer and reduce the stigma associated with the disease. Our organization promotes public awareness that anyone can get lung cancer; and everyone affected by lung cancer deserves compassion and equitable medical care.
Lung cancer is the number one cancer killer. It kills more Americans than breast, prostate, colon, kidney, liver, melanoma and pancreatic cancers combined. Yet, in terms of research dollars per death, lung cancer is the least funded of all the major cancers. Three major federal agencies supporting medical research allocated $27,480 per death for breast cancer research and $14,336 per death for prostate cancer. The same agencies allocated only $1,249 per lung cancer death.
The following premises comprise the "foundation" of our organization:
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Lack of knowledge about radon and other lung cancer risk factors, warning signs and screening options have contributed to delayed diagnoses and increased mortality rates;
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Those impacted by lung cancer are stigmatized;
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Stigma, lack of compassion and lack of education about this disease are contributing factors to lung cancer research being underfunded.
Stigmatization has contributed to a culture of disparity for lung cancer research and, consequentially, lung cancer's high death rate. Our public awareness campaign helps educate those who can most benefit from lung cancer screening, as well as pave the way for increased funding for early lung cancer detection research advances, enhanced treatment options, improved quality of life and increased life expectancy for those impacted by lung cancer.
In addition to our public awareness campaigns, another program includes LiveLung, a web portal serving the greater lung cancer community, including individuals directly and indirectly impacted by lung cancer, other nonprofit organizations supporting the lung cancer community and the general public.
We also conduct a grassroots initiative focusing on public educational rallies and community campaigns featuring biodegradable balloon releases to educate the public about lung cancer warning signs, raise awareness about the disease and the need for increased research.
Our programs are funded by the good will of supporters. To support our initiatives, please Just Give here.