Sharing and coming together in commitment, vision, and purpose is what happens when organizations like American Association of Scientists and Technicians, U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, Lung Cancer Action Network, World Health Organization, Conference of Radiation Control Protection Directors, International Atomic Energy Agency , and the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer focus on the reduction of radioactive radon gas exposure. Sharing stories, “walking the talk” and “getting the right people on the bus” will make the new normal look different when it comes to radon reduction. Opening the doors of opportunity to communication is the key to building and sustaining this shared mission.
With persistent, personal, and persuasive passion, Rachael Malmbergh and Kimberly Buchmeier shared their journey of radon-induced lung cancer at the 2018 International Radon Symposium with nearly 400 attendees. Needless to say, the audiences became entranced as they listened with empathic hearts to these two young women unfold their journey of being diagnosed with lung cancer while in their 30’s.
Unfortunately, the number of lung cancer survivors doesn’t compare with the many other types of cancer survivors. There’s only an estimated 2-4% five-year survival rate for those lung cancer patients diagnosed in late stage—and most individuals are diagnosed in late state because there are usually no symptoms that would shout out to the individual “You may have lung cancer.” Many lung cancers are discovered by accident. Radon-induced lung cancer takes the lives of an estimated 21,000+individuals each year. Radon cannot be detected through our senses. The only way to know of its presence is to perform an easy test.
My prediction and prayer is that the new normal will be that most homes, schools and workplaces will be tested for radon;everyone will know that radioactive radon exposure is the leading environmental cause of cancer mortality, the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers, and the leading cause of death in the home. This can be accomplished with legislation, health policies, and a change of attitude by placingthe lives of our citizens first and foremost in our actions.
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, please test your home for radon, fix it if the level is high, and do your part in helping to save lives by sharing your knowledge about radon.
Join our CRUSADE.
Below are voices of some of those individuals affect by radon-induced lung cancer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFzoz7UI-J8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ys9VDRziB10
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACV55HV1HVE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBEGsiuG0Lc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PaKaGDB8OE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCSLlW4VDHo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7VVAeO--I8c
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GD48B6Cvow&t=51s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4AgCjR_nYI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRKBAvZpe44
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDSrm7pJ1sU
Gloria Linnertz/October 13,2018
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