The following is a message from the Genesee County Health Department:

November marks Lung Cancer Awareness Month. "According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more people die from lung cancer than any other type of cancer," stated Steve Carroll, President of the Huff & Puff Lung Support Group. "The great news is that many lung cancers can be prevented, and the most important thing you can do to prevent lung cancer is to not start smoking or to quit if you currently smoke."

According to the CDC, in the United States about 90% of lung cancer deaths in men and almost 80% of lung cancer deaths in women are due to smoking. "Fortunately, it is never too late to quit smoking, and quitting smoking today can reduce your risk," stated Dr. Gary Johnson, Medical Director at the Genesee County Health Department. "Secondhand smoke causes lung cancer as well. The United States Surgeon General concluded that there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke" added Dr. Johnson. The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) Tobacco Quitline, 1-(800) QUIT-NOW, provides free telephone counseling and referral to Michigan Medicaid, Medicare, Genesee Health Plan clients and uninsured residents. For a free Smoker’s Quit Kit or for more information regarding the Huff & Puff Lung Support Group contact the Genesee County Health Department at 810-257-3612.