To the editor:

November means Lung Cancer Awareness month. Since 1952, the American Cancer Society has used cancer prevention studies to help researchers identify cancer risk factors by allowing them to study large groups of people over long periods of time.

These studies have confirmed the link between smoking and lung cancer, secondhand smoke and lung cancer and radon exposure and lung cancer.

On Nov. 19, the American Cancer Society Great American Smokeout presents a good opportunity for smokers to vow to quit. Tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the United States, yet about 42 million Americans — a bit under one in every five adults — still smoke cigarettes.

But it’s not just smokers — anyone can get lung cancer. While smoking is a major risk factor, people who have never smoked or who quit years ago get lung cancer, too. These two facts combined make it even more important for continued research and education around lung cancer, tobacco use and smoking cessation.

If you or someone you know has questions or needs help quitting, please contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.

Also, please consider joining the Relay For Life of Suffolk as we fight back against cancer at our next rally, scheduled for 7 to 8 p.m. Nov. 9 at King’s Fork High School.

Chelsea Peoples

Community Manager

Relay for Life

American Cancer Society