November Is Lung Cancer Awareness Month

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, and this year’s National Lung Cancer Screening Day falls on Saturday, November 14. The month brings patients, families, doctors, and advocates together to talk openly about lung cancer, push for early detection, and support everyone affected by the disease. Learn when key 2026 awareness dates take place, what white ribbon bracelets mean, and how you can get involved.

What Is Lung Cancer Awareness Month?

Lung Cancer Awareness Month is a nationwide campaign held every November to teach people about lung cancer, early screening opportunities, and how the disease affects patients, survivors, and families. It’s also a time to fight the stigma around lung cancer, because anyone can get it.

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), about 229,410 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with lung cancer in 2026. It remains by far the leading cause of cancer death, with about 1 in 5 cancer patients dying from lung cancer.

Smoking isn’t the only cause. Radon gas can cause lung cancer in people who have never smoked, and secondhand smoke and workplace substances like asbestos are other risk factors, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes.

Lung cancer awareness is especially important if you were exposed to asbestos at work or at home. Data from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) shows that asbestos can cause lung cancer, and people who smoke and were exposed to asbestos face a greater risk.

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National Lung Cancer Screening Day Is November 14

National Lung Cancer Screening Day takes place on November 14 to encourage people at increased risk of lung cancer to learn about screening and take steps toward early detection. Lung cancer screening is important because the disease often causes no noticeable symptoms in its early stages.

The main screening test for lung cancer is a low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scan, which uses a small amount of radiation to create detailed images of the lungs. Unlike a standard chest X-ray, an LDCT scan can detect small lung nodules and other abnormalities before symptoms develop.

To participate in National Lung Cancer Screening Day, you can:

• Check whether you qualify for screening: The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends annual LDCT screening for adults aged 50 to 80 who have at least a 20 pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or quit within the past 15 years.
• Understand your smoking history: One pack-year equals smoking one pack of cigarettes per day for one year. For example, smoking one pack daily for 20 years or two packs daily for 10 years equals 20 pack-years.
• Talk to your doctor about LDCT screening: Discuss your smoking history, lung cancer risk, and whether annual screening is appropriate. Your doctor can refer you to a screening center if needed.
• Know what to expect during the scan: An LDCT scan is quick, painless, and noninvasive. You lie on a table while a CT machine takes detailed images of your lungs. The scan typically takes only a few minutes and does not require surgery, needles, or contrast dye.
• Follow up on your results: If the scan identifies lung nodules or other abnormalities, your doctor may recommend additional imaging or testing. Not every abnormal finding indicates cancer, but follow-up is important.
• Find a participating screening center: Check the National Lung Cancer Screening Day website for participating facilities and appointment information.
• Spread awareness: Share screening information with family, friends, and community members who may qualify, particularly people who have a history of smoking.

Even if you can’t attend a screening event on November 14, you can still schedule an LDCT scan through your health care provider any time of year if you meet the eligibility requirements.

How to Participate: Lung Cancer Awareness Events

This November, you can participate in Lung Cancer Awareness Month in many ways, whether you want to support patients and families, educate others, or help raise money for research.

Community events, fundraising campaigns, and educational activities can help spread awareness about lung cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment.

You can participate in Lung Cancer Awareness Month by:

• Attending a lung cancer walk or fundraiser: Participate in local events that raise money for lung cancer research, patient support, and advocacy.
• Organizing a workplace or community event: Host an educational presentation, fundraising activity, or awareness campaign during November.
• Participating in National Lung Cancer Screening Day: Support November screening initiatives that encourage eligible individuals to get screened for lung cancer using low-dose CT scans.
• Posting educational information: Use social media to share lung cancer statistics, symptoms, risk factors, and screening recommendations.
• Sharing patient and survivor stories: Help reduce the stigma by highlighting the experiences of people affected by the disease.
• Supporting lung cancer organizations: Donate to organizations that fund research, provide patient resources, and advocate for better access to care.

You can also check with organizations such as the American Lung Association, GO2 for Lung Cancer, and the Lung Cancer Research Foundation for upcoming November events, volunteer opportunities, and fundraising campaigns.

Even small efforts to share accurate information and support people affected by lung cancer can help increase awareness, encourage early detection, and connect patients and families with valuable resources.

What Color Bracelet Is for Lung Cancer Awareness?

The official color of lung cancer awareness is white, although pearl and clear are also commonly used. People may wear white or pearl-colored bracelets, ribbons, clothing, or other accessories to show support for people living with lung cancer, honor those who have died, and help raise awareness.

Lung cancer awareness ribbons and bracelets are easy, accessible ways to honor Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Wearing one can show solidarity with patients, caregivers, families, and survivors affected by lung cancer.

When Did Lung Cancer Awareness Month Start?

Today, Lung Cancer Awareness Month brings together health care organizations, lung cancer doctors, researchers, advocates, patients, and families to address the ongoing impact of this disease.

What began as a single-day awareness effort has grown into a month-long campaign emphasizing prevention, early detection, better treatment options, and support for everyone affected.

Key milestones in Lung Cancer Awareness Month include:

• 2022: The American Cancer Society and its partners introduced the first National Lung Cancer Screening Day on November 14, encouraging eligible individuals to receive low-dose CT screenings.
• 2016: The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) launched the Lung Cancer Awareness Month Coalition, bringing together more than 30 organizations to expand global awareness efforts.
• 2006: The U.S. Senate formally recognized November as National Lung Cancer Awareness Month through Senate Resolution 620.
• 2000: ALCASE expanded the single-day observance into a month-long Lung Cancer Awareness campaign.
• 1998: The Alliance for Lung Cancer Advocacy, Support and Education (ALCASE) established Lung Cancer Awareness Day to increase public awareness and support people affected by the disease.

Each November, these efforts help bring greater attention to lung cancer and the millions of people and families affected by it.

Pursue Compensation for Lung Cancer Care

Lung Cancer Awareness Month is a reminder that no one should face a diagnosis alone. Whether you wear a white ribbon, join a local event, or schedule a screening this November, every step helps raise lung cancer awareness and support patients and families.

Awareness also means knowing where to turn for help. A lung cancer diagnosis can bring significant medical expenses, lost income, and other financial challenges for patients and their families. If you developed lung cancer after asbestos exposure, you may be entitled to compensation from the companies responsible.

Our team is here to help you find information, support, and resources as you navigate your diagnosis and decide on your next steps.

Call (877) 446-5767 or download our Free Lung Cancer Guide to learn more about lung cancer symptoms, risk factors, treatment options, and compensation options.