Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation Calls for Island-Wide Support for Lung Cancer Awareness Month | July 2024
06 August 2024
This initiative aims to raise awareness and support for lung cancer by illuminating premises with blue lights or displaying blue decorations throughout the month of November.
A Call to Action: "We need your help to spread our message," said a representative from the foundation. "Would you consider asking your members if they would like to participate in Light Up Blue for Lung Cancer for part or all of November? If blue lights don't appeal, any blue display would be welcome. We also encourage participants to promote their involvement on our social media and their own."
The Stark Reality: Lung cancer is the biggest cancer killer in the Isle of Man and the British Isles, claiming over 36,000 lives annually. Despite common misconceptions, nearly 30% of the 47,500 people diagnosed each year are never smokers. Factors such as industry-specific work environments, living conditions, and genetic mutations, particularly affecting young adults and women, contribute to this disease.
"Lung cancer is a silent, hidden killer," the representative added. "Symptoms are often insidious and can be mistaken for 'normal' conditions, leading to late-stage diagnoses when curative options are limited."
Raising Awareness and Funds: A screening program in England last year identified over 2,000 cases at stages 1 or 2, underscoring the importance of early detection. However, no such program currently exists on the Isle of Man. The foundation's goals are twofold:
- Awareness: Educate the public on the symptoms of lung cancer and encourage anyone experiencing unusual symptoms to consult their GP.
- Support and Research: Raise funds to continue providing the local Lung Cancer Connect service, which supports everyone affected by lung cancer on the Island, and to fund research into curative medicines and procedures.
Join the Cause: "Everyone living with lung cancer, and those they love, would be so grateful if you could help us," the representative concluded.
For more information or to get involved, please visit Isle of Man - Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation or follow us on social media.
Contact: Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation
Phone: 07624 424155
Email: trudi.hudson@roycastle.org
Website: Isle of Man - Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation