Lung cancer

New campaign to help the public “Get Educated” on lung cancer

Lung Cancer Europe (LuCE) has launched its 2024 awareness campaign, “Get Educated,” marking the fourth chapter of its annual Get Checked initiative, endorsed by the European Respiratory Society, the European Lung Foundation, and the European Patients Forum.

This week Lung Cancer Europe (LuCE) announced the launch of their latest awareness campaign, ‘Get Educated”. The campaign aims to challenge the stigma surrounding lung cancer and educate the public about the realities of living with the disease.

Debra Montague, Vice President of Lung Cancer Europe and member of the ELF Patient Advisory Committee said:

“Lung Cancer Awareness Month serves as a vital reminder that lung cancer affects not only smokers, as nearly one in five lung cancer cases occur in individuals who have never smoked.

“It’s crucial to eliminate the stigma surrounding this disease, as early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve outcomes for all individuals, regardless of their smoking history. We must advocate for awareness, educate ourselves on the symptoms, and encourage everyone to seek medical attention without fear or shame.”

Key messages:

  • Challenging Stereotypes: Lung cancer does not discriminate based on age, gender, or lifestyle. It can affect anyone with lungs, not just older adults or those with a smoking history.
  • Dispelling Myths: The campaign seeks to debunk common misconceptions, such as the idea that lung cancer mainly affects older men.
  • Early Detection is Critical: Advances in testing and personalised treatments are improving outcomes for lung cancer patients, making early detection crucial.

The campaign will run through Lung Cancer Awareness Month and into December, featuring social media posts, videos, and calls to action aimed at increasing public knowledge. Weekly posts will address key questions like “Who can get lung cancer?” and “How is lung cancer diagnosed?”

LuCE encourages people to visit the Get Checked website for more resources on lung cancer risk factors, symptoms, and diagnostic pathways.

Read the full press release.