Organization's LUNG FORCE initiative
illuminates buildings and landmarks in turquoise, shares stories of
those impacted to raise awareness of lung cancer
CHICAGO, May 7, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- Lung Cancer is the leading cause of cancer
deaths in the U.S., and anyone can get this disease. This week for
LUNG FORCE's Turquoise Takeover and Lung Cancer Action Week
(May 6-12, 2024), the American Lung
Association will spotlight lung cancer by turning the nation
turquoise to raise awareness, share stories of hope, and inspire
Americans to take action to prevent the disease and detect it
earlier.
2024 marks the 10th
anniversary of the Lung Association's movement to end lung
cancer—LUNG FORCE. Through education, advocacy and research, LUNG
FORCE is working to ensure that fewer people are diagnosed and
those living with the disease live longer. Since 2014, LUNG FORCE
has raised more than $30 million for
lifesaving lung cancer research, expanding its research commitment
by 286%.
"We're proud to mark a decade of progress with the 10th
anniversary of LUNG FORCE and Turquoise Takeover. In the last 10
years, we have seen incredible advancements in early diagnosis,
treatment and survivorship from lung cancer. In fact, the five-year
survival rate has increased by over 50% in the past decade," said
Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of
the American Lung Association. "This year's campaign underscores
our unwavering commitment to ending lung cancer and ensuring that
fewer individuals are diagnosed, and those affected by the disease
live longer, healthier lives."
The annual Lung Cancer Action Week and Turquoise Takeover
celebration unites America to stand together against lung cancer.
Each year, the organization turns the nation turquoise, the
signature color of LUNG FORCE, by illuminating buildings and
landmarks across the U.S., encouraging the public to wear turquoise
and post a selfie on social media, and by telling the stories of
those impacted by lung cancer to raise awareness of the disease and
save more lives.
The American Lung Association shares six actions people can take
this week to help with efforts to end lung cancer:
- Join a local LUNG FORCE Walk or create a DIY
Fundraiser to benefit those affected by lung cancer
- Share your lung cancer story to raise awareness and
inspire hope
- Get screened for lung cancer if you are
eligible
- Test your home for radon
- Learn about the latest educational information
on lung cancer
- Donate to help achieve a world free of lung
cancer
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths, and about
every two minutes, someone is diagnosed with the disease.
Thankfully, survival rates of lung cancer have significantly
increased in the last 10 years. This encouraging trend has been
aided by improved early detection of the disease through lung
cancer screening and advancements in research, which have resulted
in more than 50 new lung cancer treatments approved by the U.S.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since 2016.
Visit LUNGFORCE.org to learn how you can get involved during
Lung Cancer Action Week and join the effort to end lung cancer.
About the American Lung Association
The American Lung
Association is the leading organization working to save lives by
improving lung health and preventing lung disease through
education, advocacy and research. The work of the American Lung
Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat
lung cancer; to champion clean air for all; to improve the quality
of life for those with lung disease and their families; and to
create a tobacco-free future. For more information about the
American Lung Association, which has a 4-star rating from Charity
Navigator and is a Platinum-Level GuideStar Member, call
1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org. To
support the work of the American Lung Association, find a local
event at Lung.org/events.
About LUNG FORCE
The American Lung Association's LUNG FORCE initiative unites people
impacted by lung cancer and their caregivers across the country to
stand together against lung cancer, the leading cancer killer.
Increased awareness about lung cancer, more education on lifesaving
screening and more research funding are critical to fuel lifesaving
breakthroughs. Through education, advocacy and research, LUNG FORCE
works to provide hope to all those impacted by the disease and save
more lives. Find out more at LUNGFORCE.org.
American Lung Association • 55 W. Wacker Drive,
Suite 1150 • Chicago, IL 60601
1331 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Ste. 1425 North • Washington, D.C. 20004
1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) Lung.org
CONTACT: Jill Dale |
American Lung Association
P: 312-940-7001 C: 720-438-8289 E:
Jill.Dale@Lung.org
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SOURCE American Lung Association