The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has called on Nigerians to prioritise healthy living, avoid tobacco use, undergo regular health screenings and support individuals living with lung cancer as the world marks World Lung Cancer Day.
The agency made the appeal through a series of awareness messages shared on its official X account to commemorate the annual observance, stressing that greater public awareness, early diagnosis and timely treatment remain key to reducing deaths linked to the disease.
Observed every year on August 1, World Lung Cancer Day focuses on increasing awareness about lung cancer, promoting preventive measures and advocating better access to quality diagnosis, treatment and long-term care for patients worldwide.
According to the NOA, lung cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths globally, but survival chances improve significantly when the disease is detected early.
In one of its messages, the agency highlighted the importance of protecting lung health, noting that while smoking remains a major risk factor, people who have never smoked can also develop lung cancer.
The awareness campaign for 2026 is themed “Together through lung cancer,” emphasising compassion, inclusion and ensuring that everyone has access to early screening, accurate diagnosis, advanced treatment and supportive care regardless of their background.
The agency also noted that public understanding of lung cancer remains limited despite its widespread impact, saying many people are still unaware of its warning signs, causes and preventive measures.
Beyond cigarette smoking, the NOA identified several other risk factors associated with the disease, including exposure to second-hand smoke, air pollution, asbestos, hazardous workplace chemicals, radon gas, previous chest radiation therapy and a family history of lung cancer.
It also urged Nigerians to watch out for symptoms such as a persistent cough lasting more than three weeks, coughing up blood, chest pain, difficulty breathing, repeated chest infections, hoarseness, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, loss of appetite, bone pain and persistent headaches where the disease has spread.
To reduce the risk of lung cancer, the agency encouraged the public to avoid smoking and passive smoke, maintain clean indoor air, engage in regular physical activity, minimise exposure to harmful chemicals, attend routine medical check-ups and adopt a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
The NOA stressed that World Lung Cancer Day should inspire practical action beyond awareness campaigns, urging Nigerians to share accurate information, encourage high-risk individuals to seek early screening and provide emotional support to patients and survivors.
According to the agency, collective efforts in prevention, early detection and compassionate care can help reduce the burden of lung cancer while improving outcomes for those affected.
