November is national lung cancer awareness month and the Talbot County Health Department Prevention Office would like to remind everyone of the dismal statistics associated with the disease. While anyone can get lung cancer regardless of smoking or family history, 80 percent of lung cancer deaths in women and 90 percent in men are attributed to smoking.
In fact, men who smoke are 23 times more likely to develop cancer, while woman are 13 percent as likely. Additionally, nonsmokers have a 20 to 30 percent greater chance of developing lung cancer when exposed to second hand smoke at home or work.
Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death in the United States, killing close to half a million people each year. The Talbot County Health Department Prevention Office is committed to ending the death and disease caused by tobacco use, and offers free resources for anyone ready to quit.
The Great American Smokeout is set for Nov. 17 and offers an opportunity to kick that habit. Please, encourage someone you know to use this date as a time to quit, or set the date for yourself. By quitting – even for one day – smokers take an important step toward improved health and recued cancer risk.
Quitting has immediate and long-term health benefits at any age. Quitting is hard, but we can help. If you’re ready for free resources, please call us at 410-819-5600.
To learn more about tobacco, alcohol and other dug use prevention, contact Alexandra Duff, Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Prevention Coordinator at Talbot County Health Department, at 410-819-5600.
The Talbot County Health Department Prevention Office helps community groups, agencies and individuals in providing programs and activities to prevent alcohol, tobacco and other drug abuse, and to build a healthier community. Resources include parenting skills, video and resource loan library, awareness campaigns and educational workshops.
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