Lung Cancer Awareness Month Ends But Prevention Continues

As November’s observance of lung cancer awareness ends, cancer prevention goes on. More people die from lung cancer than any other type of cancer in the United States. This is why prevention and appropriate screening are important. During this month, DCPC highlighted lung cancer awareness in different ways. On a personal level, DCPC celebrated progress, honored lung cancer survivors, and remembered those who have died from lung cancer with a Candlelight Vigil. On a professional level, DCPC disseminated information on: (1) reducing risk factors, such as not using tobacco and avoiding secondhand smoke, (2) providing lung cancer prevention information for communities, and (3) providing resources about appropriate lung cancer screening for health care providers. In addition, new publications providing insight from lung cancer data also brought attention to lung cancer and the progress being made. From 2001 to 2016, lung cancer death rates for the total population have declined. This progress confirms prevention can work, but more is needed. So, beyond this month, DCPC continues lung cancer prevention in as many ways as possible. See the latest DCPC resource for lung cancer survivors.

Getting Physical for Cancer Prevention

Did you know that physical activity is important in reducing your risk for several cancers? Worldwide, about 10% of breast and colon cancers are linked to a lack of physical activity. Being physically active helps prevent overweight and obesity, which may lower a person’s risk of certain cancers related to excess body weight.

The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2^ndedition was released in November and outlines the recommended amounts and types of physical activity needed to stay healthy or improve overall health and lower the risk of chronic disease, including cancer. In addition, the Move Your Way campaign has over 40 resources in English and Spanish to explain the Guidelines and promote the health benefits of being physically active. Take a look at these resources supporting and promoting physical activity.

Move Your Way campaign materials include interactive tools, videos, fact sheets, and tips to help people become more active.
Active People, Healthy Nation – Creating and Active America Together^SM is an initiative of CDC, states, and communities working together to increase active-friendly environments.

Learn about physical activity and cancer.

New CDC Study Looks at Lung Cancer Screenings and Recommendations

A new CDC study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, looks at lung cancer screenings during 2010 and 2015 that met the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) criteria for lung cancer screening and those that did not meet the criteria. The USPSTF recommends yearly lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) for people who have a history or heavy smoking, who currently smoke or have quit within the last 15 years, and are between 55 and 80 years old. The study shows that the population meeting the USPSTF criteria for lung cancer screening is declining (decreased 15% between 2010 and 2015) and the occurrence of appropriate lung cancer screening is low (4.4% in 2015). Study results also show that the number of adults inappropriately screened for lung cancer greatly exceeds the number screened according to USPSTF recommendations. To reach the potential benefits of lung cancer screening, it would be beneficial to have better processes to appropriately identify and get eligible individuals screened, and screen with a USPSTF-recommended test.

Colorectal Cancer State Screening Profiles Now Available

Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening profiles for all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico are now available! Each profile provides state-specific CRC screening trends from 2012 through 2016, modeled county-level CRC screening estimates from 2014 (Berkowitz, et. al 2018), and screening prevalence by race/ethnicity, sex, insurance status, and age group. These profiles can help comprehensive cancer control and colorectal cancer control programs with planning interventions, developing resources, and sharing current modeled CRC screening estimates in their state. Check out the profile for your state.

Did You Know?

One of every four deaths in the United States is due to cancer.
In 2015, there were 32,908 new cases of liver cancer reported in the United States, and 25,760 people died of liver cancer.