The problem with lung cancer is that often it is not diagnosed until it has metastasized to some other organ in the body.
Some facts about lung cancer in women:
• Lung cancer kills more women than breast, uterine and ovarian cancers combined
• One in 17 women with develop lung cancer in her lifetime
• There is a 60% increase among women since 1990
• 80% of all nonsmokers diagnosed with lung cancer are women
• Women are approximately 1.5 times more likely to develop lung cancer than men
While tobacco use is still the leading cause of lung cancer, over 60% of newly diagnosed patients are former or
never smokers. Research funding for lung cancer lags way behind breast, prostate and colorectal cancers. The
survival rates reflect this. From 1974-2001 the five year survival rate for lung cancer increased by 2% - from
12% to 15%. Prostate cancer increased by 33% - from 67% to 100% and breast cancer increased by 13% - from
75% to 88%. (Cancer Facts and Figures 2006, American Cancer Society)
Lung cancer patients should not be stigmatized just because one of the many causes happens to be tobacco.
There is no cure for lung cancer and there is very little funding to find a cure. More should and can be done.
Uniting Against Lung Cancer  is making progress in funding for lung cancer research but it’s been an uphill battle. Go to their website,  www.unitingagainstlungcancer.org for more information. If you can, make small (or large) donation. You can do it in Christine’s name or you can dedicate the donation to someone you know.

The Lungevity Foundation also raises money for lung cancer research. They have compiled a page full of interesting  facts about lung cancer.  Visit their site. It can be a eye-opener.

Mesothelioma is another deadly lung cancer disease that deserves a lot of attention.  The Mesothelioma Center is an up-to-date resource for all mesothelioma issues ranging from diagnosis to mesothelioma treatment options.

Mark Mrkus
mark@practicaltruisms.com or mmr.kus@gmail.com
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