Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in Europe. Yet despite the number of people and families affected, it still doesn't get the attention or open discussion it deserves. Stigma and misconceptions about who gets lung cancer remain widespread.
It's time to get people talking.
This November, during Lung Cancer Awareness Month, Lung Cancer Europe is launching The Big Lung Cancer Conversation, a new public awareness initiative that will travel across Europe.
The campaign begins in Brussels, where a super-sized display of human lungs will be installed on the Solidarność Esplanade outside the European Parliament, on 17 November.
It's a display that's hard to ignore. And that's exactly the point.
Bringing lung cancer into public spaces
Lung cancer affects people from all backgrounds, yet conversations about the disease can still be difficult. Many people are unaware of the symptoms, the importance of early diagnosis or the screening programmes available in their country.
The Big Lung Cancer Conversation aims to change that.
Following its launch in Brussels, the display will travel across Europe, giving local organisations the opportunity to bring lung cancer awareness directly into their communities.
Whether it's in a town square, at a public event or somewhere people wouldn't normally expect to encounter information about lung cancer, the aim is to get people to stop, ask questions and start talking.
Working with local organisations, events can focus on issues that are most relevant to their communities, including:
Recognising symptoms: Helping people understand possible signs of lung cancer and when to seek medical advice.
Early diagnosis and screening: Raising awareness of why finding lung cancer earlier is important and providing information about locally available screening programmes.
Challenging stigma: Addressing misconceptions about lung cancer and who can develop it.
Local support: Connecting people with organisations and resources in their own country.
Each event will be an opportunity to make lung cancer more visible and encourage conversations that might not otherwise happen.
Could your organisation host The Big Lung Cancer Conversation?
Lung Cancer Europe is inviting organisations across Europe to express an interest in hosting the display as part of their own lung cancer awareness activities.
The installation could form the centrepiece of a public event, with local organisations developing supporting activities, information and opportunities for people to get involved.
We want events to reflect the needs of local communities, so we'd welcome ideas from organisations interested in taking part.
What's involved in hosting?
The Big Lung Cancer Conversation is designed to travel between countries, with local organisations helping to organise events in their own communities.
There are some practical requirements to consider, including:
A suitable public location and any necessary permissions.
Appropriate insurance for the installation and event.
Transport and associated costs.
Local arrangements for setting up and managing the event.
We're currently collecting expressions of interest to help plan the European programme. Exact requirements and costs will depend on the location and arrangements for each event and will be discussed before any commitments are made.
Register your interest
Would you like to bring The Big Lung Cancer Conversation to your country?
If your organisation is interested in hosting the display, we'd love to hear from you.
Complete the short form below to tell us where you're based, when you might like to host an event and a little about your plans.
Our team will be in touch to discuss what's possible and what would be involved.
Let's get Europe talking about lung cancer.
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