Important information about lung cancer
As part of our mission, we are striving to not only raise funds but awareness surrounding this disease. Here are just a few facts and statistics on lung cancer to increase our knowledge, together.
Facts & Stats
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Lung cancer is the leading cancer killer among men & women in the U.S. It has surpassed breast cancer & is the leading cause of cancer deaths in women.
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Only 6% of federal government dollars spent on cancer research are spent on lung cancer research.
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In the United States, about 10% to 20% of lung cancers, or 20,000 to 40,000 lung cancers each year, happen in people who never smoked or smoked fewer than 100 cigarettes in their lifetime.
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The lung cancer five-year survival rate is lower than many other leading cancer sites. The five-year survival rate is 56% in cases that have not spread to other locations, however only 16% of cases are diagnosed at an early stage. For cases that have spread to other locations, the five-year survival rate is 5%.
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More than half of people with lung cancer die within one year of being diagnosed.
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Detecting the disease early among high risk individuals can decrease lung cancer mortality by 14% to 20%.
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About 541,000 living Americans have been diagnosed with lung cancer at some point.
For more information about lung cancer, please visit the American Lung Association or the Lung Cancer Foundation of America.
What is lung cancer?
Lung cancer, just like any other cancer, occurs when cells change or mutate. Usually, lung cancer is caused by being exposed to dangerous chemicals that are inhaled into our bodies, but it can also occur in people who have had no exposure to toxins. The cancer cells grow and cluster together forming a tumor which attacks and destroys lung tissue. Normally, those dealing with lung cancer do not have symptoms until cancer cells have spread to other parts of the body, making lung cancer difficult to treat.
Why the Angela Marotta Inho Foundation
As a small non-profit organization and a family that has personally been affected by lung cancer, it is our goal to advance research and care for all those impacted by this disease.
We are supporting lung cancer research by donating all proceeds directly to lung cancer research at Dana- Farber Cancer Institute.
We are working to reduce the stigma associated with lung cancer by raising awareness that anyone can be affected- smokers & nonsmokers.
We are building a strong community for lung cancer patients and their families.
Our Story
Angela Marotta Inho was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in December of 2017. As a non-smoker and focused on her health and wellness, this news came as a shock to her and her family. During her 3-year battle, she consistently showed strength, courage, a positive attitude and was an inspiration to everyone she came across. We will strive to honor her legacy of raising awareness and reducing the stigma surrounding lung cancer.
Sources
1. Siegel RL, Miller KD, Jemal A. Cancer Statistics, 2018. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians. 2018; 68:7-30. doi:10.3322/caac.21442. 2. U.S. National Institute Of Health, National Cancer Institute. SEER Cancer Statistics Review, 1975–2015. 3. U.S. National Institutes of Health. National Cancer Institute. State Cancer Profiles, 2017. 4. World Health Organization. Cancer Fact Sheet, 2018. 5. U.S. National Institutes of Health. National Cancer Institute. Cancer Trends Progress Report – Financial Burden of Cancer Care. November, 2015.