August 1 Is World Lung Cancer Day

World Lung Cancer Day is Tuesday, August 1, 2017. In the United States and worldwide, lung cancer is the most common form of cancer death; it is also the leading cause for both men and women in the United States and in developed countries. This year, lung cancer will account for about 156,000 deaths, or one in four U.S. cancer deaths.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Indoor Environments Division, the American College of Chest Physicians and the Forum of International Respiratory Societies offer extensive information on common causes of lung cancer:

Radon EPA estimates radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. Radon exposure is the cause of about 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year; about 2,900 of these deaths are people who have never smoked. Test your home’s indoor air for radon; if needed, take action to reduce the level of radon in your home. Secondhand Smoke EPA estimates that secondhand smoke causes about 3,000 lung cancer deaths in nonsmokers every year. Secondhand smoke is also a universal trigger for asthma. Children exposed to secondhand smoke can have their upper and lower respiratory tracts affected. Additionally, children exposed to secondhand smoke are at increased risk of ear infections.