CaringBridge Provides Tips to Those Living with Lung Cancer

Eagan, Minn. (Nov. 15, 2007) —

November is National Lung Cancer Awareness month and CaringBridge is providing tips to those living with the disease - one that affects more than 210,000 Americans annually.

National Lung Cancer Awareness Month is a nationally recognized month that seeks to draw attention to the leading cause of cancerous deaths in both men and women. Each year, more people die from lung cancer than colon, breast and prostate cancer combined.

CaringBridge, the third largest nonprofit Web site in the world, is a free resource that connects family and friends during illness, treatment and recovery. Visitors to CaringBridge sites have left over 11 million messages of support and encouragement for the patient and their family.

"At some point in life, everyone knows somebody struggling with cancer," said Sona Mehring, founder and executive director of CaringBridge. "Setting up a CaringBridge page is one of the ways we can help ease the burden for those experiencing difficult times."

CaringBridge offers the following tips to those living with lung cancer:

Join a support group - Support groups are a great way to get information and learn from others. They can provide emotional and spiritual support, and reduce your fear and anxiety. Support groups are also great for sharing stories, stresses, worries and celebrations with an understanding group of people.

Be active - Recreation can be a powerful tool for health. Do things you enjoy, even if you don't feel perfect. Staying active and maintaining a focus on favorite hobbies and pastimes are a therapeutic distraction from cancer.

Maintain a healthy relationship with your doctor - If you have any questions throughout the tenure of your treatment, your doctor is the best resource for answers. If you feel pain at any point during the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer, you should tell a doctor or nurse immediately. Treating pain as soon as possible can ensure a more effective relief.

Quit smoking - Tobacco smoke is the cause of more than eight out of ten cases of lung cancer. Quitting now is easier than it ever has been. Web sites like SmokeFree.gov and national hotlines like 1-877-44U-Quit, assist in smoking cessation at no cost. There is also a non-nicotine prescription medicine specifically developed to help adults quit smoking called Chantix. Contact your physician to see if you are eligible.

Understand your illness - Understanding your illness and its treatment will help you and your family to cope, and know what to expect. If you have unanswered questions, make a list so you will remember what to ask your doctor at your next visit.

Share your story with others - Create a CaringBridge Web site and share your day to day experiences. Give others the chance to read and contribute their advice, thoughts and well-wishes. The amount of support you receive will surprise you!

You can find out more about free personalized Web sites for caregivers and people with serious health conditions and set up a site at http://www.CaringBridge.org.

About CaringBridge

---

CaringBridge is a nonprofit offering many ways for people to care for each other during any type of health event. Its mission is to amplify the love, hope and compassion in the world, making each health journey easier. For more information, visit www.CaringBridge.org.