Lung cancer is the most common cancer among residents of the Northern Marianas and this has prompted an awareness campaign.
Last week the CNMI Cancer Association last week issued a proclamation detailing the extent of lung cancer in the territory.
November has been declared Lung and Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, aiming to make lung cancer a public health priority through advocacy, support and care.
The Association says lifestyle factors contribute to the cancer risk and it has urged the people to eliminate the risk and adopt healthier lifestyles.
Its proclamation also said up to 15 percent of lung cancer cases occur in people who have never smoked and that few sufferers survive more than five years.