The Coalition for a Tobacco Free Arkansas (CTFA) proudly recognizes November as Lung Cancer Awareness Month, a vital time to educate Arkansans about the leading cause of cancer death in the United States and the importance of early detection, prevention and equitable access to care.
Lung cancer claims more lives each year than breast, prostate and colon cancers combined.
In 2025, an estimated 124,500 Americans will die from lung cancer, and 236,000 new cases will be diagnosed.
Despite these staggering numbers, lung cancer remains one of the most underfunded and misunderstood cancers.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Lung Cancer Awareness Month is not just a symbolic observance — it’s a call to action.
We must use this month to amplify the message that anyone with lungs can get lung cancer, and that education, early screening and tobacco prevention are powerful tools to save lives.
Why Awareness Matters
Only 22% of lung cancers are diagnosed at the earliest stage, when survival rates are significantly higher.
Low-dose CT screening can reduce mortality, especially for those aged 50-80 with a history of smoking.
Black men are 12% more likely to develop lung cancer than white men, yet disparities in screening and treatment persist.
CTFA will be hosting educational events, sharing survivor stories and distributing free resources throughout November to raise awareness and promote lung health.
The coalition also encourages Arkansans to wear white ribbons in solidarity and to speak with their health care providers about screening eligibility, especially if they are a current or former smoker.
The Coalition for a Tobacco Free Arkansas is a network of statewide organizations and individuals with a shared mission to help improve the health of Arkansas residents by decreasing the health burden caused by tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke.
CTFA work is accomplished through prevention, education and policy efforts.
Sources: 1) LCFA Facts & Stats 2025; 2) Lung Cancer Statistics| How Common Is Lung Cancer?| American Cancer Society.
Katherine Donald is executive director of the Coalition for a Tobacco Free Arkansas.