Epidemiology and Health promotion (Due 20 hours)

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Lung cancer is a form of cancer that starts from the lungs, and it frequently attacks individuals who are fond of smoking. There are two forms of lung cancer: small cell lung cancer and non-small lung cancer. Apart from direct smoking, exposure to toxins, passive smoking, and family history are the risk factors for lung cancer. The signs and symptoms of lung cancer include weight loss, chest pains, wheezing, and cough that often comes with blood. The signs and symptoms are likely to appear when the condition is advanced. The health impact of lung cancer is that it causes shortness of breath. Such is because it blocks the major airwaves as it advances. Lung cancer also causes fluid to accumulate in the lungs, making it harder for the affected person to breathe since it prevents the lungs from expanding and contracting (CDC, 2021).

Lung Cancer in Smokers

Global relevance

Globally, lung cancer is ranked as the second most common form of cancer. In 2020, it was estimated that there were new 2.2 million lung cancer cases. The 2.2 million new lung cancer accounted for 11.4% of the total cancer cases globally. In the same year, it is estimated that 1.8 million deaths globally resulted from lung cancer. The global statistics indicate that most lung cancer cases are prevalent in industrialized countries. The release of toxins into the atmosphere has been blamed for the continued rise of lung cancer cases around the globe. Although lung cancer cases are increasing globally, there is a decreasing trend in countries such as Australia, the United States of America, the United Kingdom, and Canada. The decrease in lung cancer cases in the mentioned nations has been attributed to decreased smoking. Globally, lung cancer cases among women are increasing. Such is because many women are taking up the vice of smoking that was previously dominant among the males. Chinese women are at a higher risk of lung cancer than European women (Winston, 2021).

National relevance

In the United States of America, lung cancer is the most common form of cancer among men and women. Older Americans are at a higher risk of lung cancer than young Americans. Most Americans diagnosed with lung cancer are over sixty-five years, while very few are forty-five years and below. Seventy years old is the average age of Americans diagnosed with lung cancer. In America, lung cancer is the leading cause of death for both males and females compared to other forms of cancer (American Cancer Society, 2021).

According to the American Cancer Society, it is estimated that there were two hundred three and thirty-six thousand seven hundred and forty new cases of lung cancer in 2021. In the same year, there were one hundred and thirty-five thousand, three hundred and sixty deaths that resulted from lung cancer. The number of new cases and cancer deaths in the United States of America has decreased since many Americans are quitting smoking. Many Americans with lung cancer signs and symptoms sign up for early treatment, which has reduced the number of deaths due to lung cancer (American Cancer Society, 2021).

Local relevance

Locally, lung cancer has been a long-term problem due to heavy cigarette smoking. As a result, lung cancer deaths are notable locally among the old members of society. Health education has been an excellent strategy for dealing with smoking in the local community (Hoeijmakers et al., 2021).

Idea justification and development of promotion strategies

The selection of lung cancer is an excellent idea because it affects the globe. The release of toxins to the environment is a significant cause of lung cancer, and strategies need to be developed to prevent such exposure of people to toxins. At the global level, laws should be passed to ensure that industries purify gases before releasing them into the atmosphere. Such will ensure that people are protected against toxins that cause lung cancer. Congress should pass laws that regulate cigarettes' accessibility at the national level, which is a significant cause of lung cancer. At the local level, health education against lung cancer should be advanced to ensure people are aware of the effects of smoking (Hoeijmakers et al., 2021).

References

American Cancer Society. (2021). Lung cancer statistics | How common is lung cancer? American Cancer Society | Information and Resources about for Cancer: Breast, Colon, Lung, Prostate, Skin.  https://www.cancer.org/cancer/lung-cancer/about/key-statistics.html

CDC. (2021, November 17). Lung cancer. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/lung/

Hoeijmakers, F., Hartemink, K. J., Verhagen, A. F., Steup, W. H., Marra, E., Röell, W. F., Heineman, D. J., Schreurs, W. H., Tollenaar, R. A., & Wouters, M. W. (2021). Variation in incidence, prevention and treatment of persistent air leak after lung cancer surgery. European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, 61(1), 110-117.  https://doi.org/10.1093/ejcts/ezab376

Winston, T. W. (2021, July 17). What is the global prevalence of non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)? Latest Medical News, Clinical Trials, Guidelines - Today on Medscape.  https://www.medscape.com/answers/279960-84979/what-is-the-global-prevalence-of-nonsmall-cell-lung-cancer-nsclc