Lung Cancer has the highest death rate, with 2 million diagnoses and 1.8 million deaths globally. November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Lung cancer affects many people, whether that is a personal diagnosis, or the loss of a family member, or friend.
According to the Lung Cancer Research Foundation, in 2023 there will be an estimated 238,340 people who will be diagnosed with lung cancer in the United States. With that, 382 people die each day due to a lung cancer diagnosis.
Smoking and vaping is the overall main cause of this disease. According to an FDA research article, 2.14 million high school students reported current e-cigarette use. This number only counts people willing to admit to the use.
Smoking and vaping have reportedly been a major issue at Wheeling Park High School. Assistant principal Bria Shutz agrees.
Describing the process when catching someone vaping, she says, “We first call kids down to the office… ask them to hand them [vape pens] over…search their backpack…and use a metal detector,” said assistant principal Bria Schutz.
If caught vaping, specifically in bathrooms, they assign the students one day of in-school suspension and one day of out-of-school suspension. They also must complete an educational online vaping course, as well as a citation from the resource officer.
Schutz also explained it is normally the same people getting caught every time. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has a 24/7 hotline for anyone struggling with addiction: 1(800)-662-4357. The American Cancer Society also has various resources for family members, friends, or even cancer victims.
Wheeling Park High School is the only school in Ohio County to have an American Cancer Society Youth Board. Co-coordinator of Park’s chapter, Mrs. Jill Robbins explains why she chose to be a part of it. “My husband was actually diagnosed in his early twenties with testicular cancer…cancer has been a big part of my life..for 22 years now,” Jill Robbins said.
Before Mrs. Robbins and Mrs. McCamic, Mrs. Peggy Dolan was the head of Wheeling Park’s ACS Youth Board. “It kind of came naturally when I started working up here.. and Peggy asked me to join and I couldn’t say no to her” said Ms. Robbins.
“We want to spread more awareness on the lesser known cancers, like for example there is more than just breast cancer,” said Robbins. ACS is trying to educate everyone on ALL cancers, not just the more known ones.
During Lung Cancer Awareness Month, the ACS Youth Board is planning on spreading awareness through Tuesday Topics here at Park. They plan to make a poster to share around that includes facts and resources on lung cancer.
You can also spread awareness and make a difference from your home! The American Lung Association voices contacting your elected officials in Congress and suggesting them to support more funding for lung cancer research. You can also volunteer online at many organizations. Some examples are: American Cancer Society, American Lung Association, and Lung Cancer Foundation of America. If you are able, donating to places like those listed above can save a life.
The color that represents Lung Cancer Awareness Month is white. Wearing white shows your support for Lung Cancer Awareness Month, just like pink is for Breast Cancer. Hope to see everyone wearing their white in support this November!
