Arkansas fights high lung cancer rates by emphasizing quitting smoking

Little Rock, Arkansas – In honor of November being designated as Lung Cancer Awareness Month, the Coalition for a Tobacco Free Arkansas is releasing some shocking data about the Natural State.
In the United States, a lung cancer diagnosis is made every two minutes.

As a result, advocates and survivors gathered at the Arkansas State Capitol Rotunda to talk about issues like early detection, lung cancer diagnosis, and the dangers of tobacco smoking.
People battle so hard to raise awareness because of stories like Ruthie Johnson’s and her sister-in-law’s, who died of cancer.

Johnson states, “I mean exactly that when I say I’ve looked lung cancer in the face.” “My sister-in-law Dianne’s fight with lung cancer resurfaced after three years in remission. Indeed, she smoked heavily and had made numerous futile attempts to stop.

Unfortunately, the disease affects over 3,000 Arkansans every year, including her sister-in-law.
According to Katie Marino, MD, Division Chief Thoracic Surgeon at the Winthrop P.
Rockefeller Cancer Institute, “When compared to the rest of the United States, there are more patients being diagnosed and more patients dying from tobacco-associated lung cancer right here in Arkansas.”

Rep. Fred Allen, D-District 77, states that the survival rate for those with lung cancer in the state of Arkansas is 22.6%.

As a politician, Allen is promising to assist efforts to combat lung cancer.

“There is a lot of work for us to be doing in our community, just by the fact that we are here,” he says.

The majority of lung cancer cases are caused by cigarette smoking, not family history.

Lung injury is caused by the substances in tobacco smoke. Cellular alterations and mutations may result from the damage, according to Marino.

Low-dose CT scans, which use a lesser dose of radiation, are being promoted by speakers.

According to Sandyn Bullock, M.P.H., Research Assistant for The Center on Tobacco at UAMS, “lung cancer screening can detect tumors early and when the cancer is more curable.”
Dr. Marino emphasizes how important early detection is.

“We must increase awareness about the causes, prevention, and treatment of this deadly disease, which claims countless lives,” she says.

Additionally, according to the coalition, secondhand smoke raises the risk of lung cancer.
Since many high school students in Arkansas use e-cigarettes, the alliance is also bringing attention to the issue of e-cigarettes and lung injuries linked to vaping, which disproportionately impact young people.

According to Bala Simon, MD, DrPH, MPH, FAAFP, Deputy Chief Medical Officer for the Arkansas Department of Health, lung damage can occur as little as three days after using an e-cigarette or other vaping device. “What’s the reason? Lung cancer can sometimes emerge years after tobacco usage. For what reason? The items have been improved by the industry. It exists as a liquid. It is inhaled. Some of the most carcinogenic substances are found in it.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advise against using e-cigarettes or vaping products that contain THS, as well as against purchasing such devices illegally.

According to Katherine Donald, executive director of the Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Arkansas, she sees an Arkansas where tobacco use is totally eradicated and people have healthy workplaces.