Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among both men and women, contributing to more cancer deaths than colon, breast and prostate cancers combined. According to American Cancer Society estimates, there will be about 222,500 new cases of lung cancer and about 155,870 lung cancer deaths this year.
Overall, the chance that a man will develop lung cancer in his lifetime is about 1 in 14 while the risk for women is about 1 in 17. These numbers include both smokers and non-smokers, although – again according to the American Cancer Society – the risk is much higher for smokers.
On Wednesday, Nov. 8, FirstHealth of the Carolinas will join communities throughout the United States in hosting the ninth annual “Shine a Light on Lung Cancer Vigil,” an educational event that focuses on lung cancer treatment and support while honoring those who are living with lung cancer or who have been lost to the disease.
A partnership with the Lung Cancer Alliance, a national advocacy and support organization, the FirstHealth program will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Clara McLean House, 20 FirstVillage Drive, Pinehurst. The program will feature patients who will share their personal stories of lung cancer survival and, weather permitting, a lighting ceremony in the Clara’s House Healing Garden.
For more information or to register for FirstHealth’s “Shine a Light on Lung Cancer Vigil,” call (800) 213-3284. For more information on the cancer services provided by FirstHealth of the Carolinas, visit www.nccancercare.org.
