Lung Cancer Awareness Doesn’t End in November—It Lasts All Year

Lung Cancer Awareness Month has come to a close, the fight certainly does not. For many of us, lung cancer hits close to home, and for me, it’s deeply personal. Before my brother Josh was diagnosed, I’ll be honest: most of what I understood about lung cancer screening came from the clinic where I work. I knew that low-dose CT scans (LDCT) were recommended mainly for people with a history of smoking—and that was it.

I never thought about testing for people without a smoking history. I never questioned the guidelines. I never imagined how urgently we’d need those options…until Josh.

His diagnosis opened my eyes, and I know many of you have experienced the same awakening. Lung cancer doesn’t discriminate. It’s showing up in younger people. It’s showing up in people who have never smoked. And yet our screening guidelines still leave far too many out.

That’s why awareness can’t stop on November 30. We need year-round education, advocacy, and a push for change.

Signs and Symptoms of Lung Cancer to Watch For

Lung cancer often develops silently, but some symptoms can appear early. It’s important to pay attention—especially when something simply doesn’t feel right.

Common signs include:

• A cough that doesn’t go away or gets worse

• Chronic chest pain or discomfort

• Shortness of breath

• Unexplained weight loss

• Persistent fatigue

• Coughing up blood

• Frequent lung infections (pneumonia or bronchitis)

• Hoarseness or voice changes

These symptoms don’t automatically mean cancer, but they do mean your body is asking for attention. Never minimize or ignore persistent changes.

Why We Need Earlier Screening: Emerging Initiatives

Current LDCT screening recommendations primarily focus on older adults with a history of heavy smoking. But the landscape of lung cancer is changing, and many researchers, nonprofits, and advocacy groups are pushing for:

1. Lower Screening Age Requirements

Organizations such as the American Lung Association and GO2 for Lung Cancer continue advocating for guideline updates that account for younger patients and nonsmokers.

2. Risk-Based Screening Models

Instead of using smoking history alone, new initiatives support screening based on multiple risk factors—family history, environmental exposures, genetic components, and personal medical history.

3. Insurance Coverage Expansion

Advocates are lobbying for policies that make screening accessible to younger individuals before cancer becomes advanced or incurable. No one should be told they are “too young” to get checked when symptoms say otherwise.

Progress is happening, but not fast enough. And that means we have to keep pushing.

Self-Advocacy Isn’t Optional—It’s Lifesaving

If there is one message I hope everyone takes with them, it’s this: You know your body better than anyone.

If you feel something is off, speak up. Ask questions. Request further evaluation. Seek a second opinion if needed. Persistence is not being “dramatic.” It’s being proactive.

Josh’s story changed how I see lung cancer—and it changed how I see healthcare advocacy. We can’t rely only on guidelines; we must rely on ourselves, our instincts, and our voices.

Let’s Keep This Conversation Going

Awareness doesn’t begin or end with a ribbon color or a calendar month. It starts with real people sharing real experiences. If lung cancer has touched your life, your story has the power to educate, encourage, and even save someone else.

Share your story. Share this post. Tell someone the signs to look for.

Together, we can push for earlier screening, demand better coverage, and make sure no one feels alone in their journey.