DEWAYNE HOLLOWAY | dewayne@mcnews.online
MOUNT IDA – A Community Coffee was held Tuesday, November 19, to highlight lung cancer awareness. The event was hosted by the Montgomery County Health Education Advisory Board.
Those in attendance talked about the importance of lung cancer screenings. Sierra Whitbey, a Specialist from the American Lung Association of Arkansas, led the discussion covering criteria, expectations, and benefits of getting screened for lung cancer. According to the American Lung Association, Arkansas ranks 33rd out of 51 states for lung cancer screening with only 14.3 percent.
In 2024 it is estimated that approximately 234,580 new cases of lung cancer will be diagnosed with 116,310 cases among men and 118,270 cases among women. It is estimated that approximately 125,070 people will die from lung cancer in 2024 with 65,790 deaths in men and 59,280 deaths among women. It is estimated that cigarette smoking will cause more than 101,000 deaths due to lung cancer in 2024 with lung cancer expected to remain the most common cause of cancer death in the United States.
According to the American Lung Association, Arkansas ranks among the worst states for lung cancer with a 22.6 percent survival rate, ranking them 45th out of 47 states. The national rate of people alive five years after a lung cancer diagnosis is 28.4 percent. Arkansas also ranks 50th out of 51 in the nation for smoking with 18.7 percent of the population reported to be smokers. The national rank is 11.6 percent.
The Community Coffee was also a great way for attendees to connect with local professionals and future collaborators, to discuss community issues, and discover resources, all while boosting your visibility and opening doors for meaningful partnerships that can drive positive change in our community.
The event was sponsored by Harbor House Prevention Services and RAAD.
Community Coffee raises lung cancer screening awareness
