Oluwafunbi Bello 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has urged Nigerians to prioritise lung health by avoiding tobacco use, adopting healthier lifestyles and seeking early medical screening, warning that prompt detection remains one of the most effective ways to reduce deaths from lung cancer.
The appeal was made on Sunday in a series of awareness messages posted on the agency’s official X account to mark World Lung Cancer Day, observed annually on 1 August to raise awareness about prevention, early diagnosis and improved access to treatment.
According to the agency, lung cancer remains one of the world’s leading causes of cancer-related deaths despite being largely preventable and more treatable when detected early.
This year’s campaign, themed “Together Through Lung Cancer,” emphasises compassion, stronger support systems and equitable access to screening, diagnosis and quality healthcare for everyone affected by the disease.
“Every breath is precious. Our lungs work tirelessly, processing thousands of breaths each day to keep us alive and well. Yet lung cancer remains one of the world’s deadliest diseases, affecting millions of people every year,” the agency stated.
The NOA noted that while cigarette smoking remains the leading cause of lung cancer, the disease also affects people who have never smoked, making awareness and routine medical checks essential for everyone.
It identified several other risk factors, including exposure to second-hand smoke, air pollution, asbestos, harmful workplace chemicals, radon gas, previous chest radiation and a family history of lung cancer.
The agency also advised Nigerians to seek immediate medical attention if they experience persistent coughing lasting more than three weeks, coughing up blood, chest pain, shortness of breath, recurrent chest infections, hoarseness, unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, persistent fatigue, headaches or bone pain.
To reduce the burden of the disease, the NOA encouraged members of the public to avoid smoking, improve indoor air quality, maintain regular physical activity, eat balanced diets rich in fruits and vegetables, minimise exposure to hazardous substances and attend routine health screenings.
The agency further called on communities to support people living with lung cancer and help raise awareness about the disease, stressing that collective action can improve survival rates and reduce preventable deaths.
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