Lung Cancer struck both my father and my husband’s. One survived and one didn’t.
When you mention lung cancer a lot of people seem to blame the victim. The first question is “was he a smoker”. If you answer affirmatively in any way, it seems like compassion went out the door. Smokers caused their own cancer is the message.
Why Lung Cancer Victims Don’t Deserve Stigma
The lack of empathy for lung cancer victims in particular is very unfair. For one thing a lot of non-smokers are diagnosed with lung cancer. Other risk factors than smoking are:
- Radon exposure
- Asbestos exposure
- Second-hand smoke exposure
- Military service
- Age
- Health-related issues
- Family History
My dad had quit smoking 7-8 years before his diagnosis. Maybe it the fact that he served in our military for 20 years or his age that was the determining factor. His brother ended up dying from the same disease so maybe there was a genetic component.
Risk factors for breast cancer include being overweight and lack of exercise. Yet no one asks immediately about how long a victim exercises each week! Lung cancer seems to be the one type of cancer where the victim receives blame instead of compassion.
Facts about Lung Cancer
Even if you don’t have someone you know that is or has battled this disease it is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer. Lung cancer is also the most common cause of death from cancer.
The five year survival rate for lung cancer is horribly low at 15%. My father-in-law was one of the lucky ones, but most patients lose their battle like my dad. No one deserves to die from any cancer including lung cancer.
Learn more about lung cancer and become an advocate in the fight! What is your experience with this disease?
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