By Myhanh Thi Tran
October 2026 | 2026 Fall Newsletter
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data indicates that at least 220,000 people in the United States develop lung cancer every year. This November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, as a reminder to check your lung health and raise awareness about lung cancer.
Our lungs help us stay active, maintain our independence, and enjoy everyday activities. However, many factors can affect the lungs in different ways. Colder temperatures, flu or fever, and periods of poor air quality can be especially challenging for older adults and those with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or other lung conditions.
If you are showing any combination of the signs and symptoms below, reach out to your doctor:
- A new cough that doesn’t go away
- Chest pain
- Coughing up blood, even a small amount
- Hoarseness
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
Adopting a preventative outlook can help protect your lung health and support your overall well-being and that of others throughout the year. If you smoke, consider quitting, and if you need help, talk to your primary care doctor so they can help guide you. Learn and inform others about secondhand smoke, and how it can also cause lung cancer in those who have never smoked before.
For further lung health information, visit lung.org/lung-health-diseases or cdc.gov/lung-cancer/index.html.