November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, a time to learn, share, and take action to protect our health and our communities. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in Alaska and across the United States. But by learning the risks and taking steps for early detection, we can make a difference for ourselves and our loved ones.
Lung cancer doesn’t just affect people who smoke. About one in five people diagnosed with lung cancer have never used tobacco. Other risks include breathing in secondhand smoke, exposure to radon gas or air pollution, or working around certain chemicals or dust over many years. In Alaska, where many people heat their homes with wood or live in older buildings, clean air and safe ventilation are especially important.
One of the best ways to protect yourself is through screening. A simple, low-dose CT scan can find lung cancer early—before symptoms appear and when it’s easier to treat. If you are between the ages of 50 and 80 and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years, you may qualify for free or low-cost screening. Talk to your healthcare provider or contact your local clinic to learn more.
Prevention is powerful, too. Quitting tobacco is the most effective way to lower your risk, and help is available. TCC Tobacco Prevention offers free resources to promote tobacco education and cessation throughout our region. Visit www.tananachiefs.org/wellness-prevention/tobacco to learn more.
This November, take time to protect your lungs—and encourage others to do the same. Share information, talk to Elders and family about screening, and support those trying to quit smoking. Every small step helps our communities stay strong, healthy, and breathing easy for generations to come.
Join the Great American Smokeout: November 21, 2025
Take the first step toward a healthier future! Join the Great American Smokeout, and commit to quitting tobacco for just one day—or for good. Every step toward quitting is a step toward healing our lungs, our communities, and future generations.