Your lungs, your health, your future

Published 11:52 am Wednesday, November 4, 2026

By Dawn Hicks/Howell County Health Department

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about lung cancer, its risk factors and the importance of prevention and early detection.

Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths, and cigarette smoking is the leading risk factor. However, lung cancer can also occur in people who have never smoked. Knowing your risk factors, avoiding tobacco smoke and talking with your healthcare provider about whether you qualify for lung cancer screening can help protect your health.

The Great American Smokeout, observed on Nov. 19, encourages people to take the first step toward a tobacco-free life. Quitting smoking has benefits at any age, no matter how long you have smoked. Over time, quitting can improve circulation and lung function, reduce coughing and shortness of breath and lower the risk of heart disease, stroke and several types of cancer. It also protects family members and others from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke.

Vaping is not harmless, either. Many e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is highly addictive, along with other substances that can harm the lungs. Although quitting vaping may be challenging, especially for those who are dependent on nicotine, taking steps to quit can improve your overall health and help break the cycle of addiction.

If you are thinking about quitting, you don’t have to do it alone! Missouri Tobacco Quit Services offers free support to help Missourians quit smoking, vaping and other tobacco products. Support may include personalized coaching and resources to help you manage cravings and develop a quit plan. Call 800-QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669) or visit YouCanQuit.org to learn more about available services.

The Great American Smokeout is a great opportunity to take that first step toward better health. Whether you choose Nov. 19 as your quit date or simply begin exploring your options, every step counts.

Make this November a time to breathe easier, protect your health and encourage others to live tobacco-free!

Learn more online at missouri.quitlogix.org/en-us or www.lung.org.

Hicks is a health educator at the Howell County Health Department, 180 S. Kentucky Ave. in West Plains, which has a stated mission to improve, promote and protect the health of Howell County through awareness, assessment, planning and assurance so that the community can achieve its fullest health potential. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, with a lunchtime closure from noon to 1 p.m. daily. Call 417-256-7078 or visit www.howellcountyhealth.com for more information.