Some people would give anything for one more breath—don’t wait until it’s too late to protect yours.

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Every November, we recognize the National Lung Cancer Awareness Month, a campaign dedicated to educating communities on the prevention, early detection, and treatment of lung cancer. Lung cancer occurs when abnormal cells multiply uncontrollably in one or both lungs. Unlike healthy lung cells, these abnormal cells cannot perform normal lung functions or develop into proper lung tissue. As they continue to grow, they may form tumors that disrupt the lungs’ ability to work effectively by hindering the process of supplying oxygen to the body through the bloodstream (DOH-National Nutrition Council, 2025). In the Philippines, the disease remains a major public health concern, with cancer ranking as the third leading cause of death, accounting for nearly 10% of all recorded deaths. Limited access to early screening worsens the burden of lung cancer because many communities, especially in rural areas, lack affordable diagnostic tests and specialists who can detect the disease early. Treatment is also costly, making life-saving procedures and medications inaccessible for many Filipino families. The problem is compounded by widespread risk factors such as smoking, polluted air, and exposure to toxic substances in the workplace, which continue to increase the number cases. Together, these challenges make lung cancer harder to prevent, detect, and treat effectively. With these challenges, raising awareness becomes essential in helping Filipinos recognize risk factors, make informed health decisions, and support efforts aimed at reducing the prevalence and impact of lung cancer nationwide.
 

Raising awareness about lung cancer is vital because timely, accurate information enables people to recognize risks earlier, pursue appropriate screening, and make informed choices about their health. By emphasizing the importance of accessible diagnostics and preventive practices, this advocacy seeks to reduce delays in detection and ease the burden the disease places on Filipino families and communities.
 

Lung cancer remains one of the most prevalent cancers across the globe and is the top cause of cancer-related deaths among both men and women. As referenced by Medicover Hospitals (2025), data from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN) show that more than 2.3 million people are diagnosed with lung cancer each year, while over 1.8 million individuals die from the disease annually. It is responsible for one out of every five cancer deaths worldwide, highlighting its severe impact on global health. Nearly 70% of patients are only identified when the cancer is already in an advanced stage, when it has spread and is far more challenging to treat effectively. According to Landry (2025) symptoms of lung cancer may include:

• a persistent cough;

• difficulty breathing;

• chest discomfort; or

•  unexplained weight loss. 
   

Detecting the disease early is vital, as it is generally more responsive to treatment in its initial stages. However, because early symptoms are often subtle or easily overlooked, many cases are only identified at advanced stages, which can significantly reduce the effectiveness of available treatment options.

 

In response to this growing concern, the FEU Medical Technology Society aims to foster a community that is informed, proactive, and grounded in scientific understanding. This includes supporting efforts that promote early detection through accessible screening drives, integrating educational campaigns that highlight the dangers of smoking and secondhand exposure, and strengthening public knowledge on how laboratory and imaging diagnostics contribute to saving lives. Beyond campus initiatives, community outreach plays a vital role—empowering families, students, and local residents to recognize symptoms early and seek timely evaluation.

 

Individual students also hold the power to promote change by adopting smoke-free lifestyles, encouraging peers to quit smoking, participating actively in awareness discussions, and demonstrating compassion toward those affected. Advocacy is not defined by grand gestures but by consistency—being teachable, responsible, and committed to learning accurate health information. Through these collective efforts, we uphold professionalism, strengthen public health education, and help build environments where prevention and early detection are valued.
 

Every breath is a reminder of life’s fragility, underscoring the importance of early detection and preventive care. By fostering a culture that values awareness, timely evaluation, and compassionate support, communities can help save countless lives. Let this advocacy encourage individuals to stay informed, remain vigilant, and promote healthier environments where early recognition of symptoms and proactive health habits are prioritized. Together, we move toward a future where each life protected becomes a quiet yet powerful victory over a disease that often goes unnoticed until it is too late.

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