New Research From American Lung Association’s LUNG FORCE Finds Lung Cancer Awareness Remains Critically Low Despite Being #1 Cancer Killer of Women
LUNG FORCE raises awareness about this deadly disease by announcing nationwide story drive to illustrate the impact of lung cancer, amplify voices of those whose lives are impacted by lung cancer
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH (November 14, 2016) – November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month and the American Lung Association’s LUNG FORCE initiative has the findings from its 3rd annual Women’s Lung Health Barometer. The Barometer revealed that despite being the #1 cancer killer of women, awareness about lung cancer remains critically low – in fact, 98 percent of women don’t even have lung cancer on their radar. In an effort to increase awareness and save lives, LUNG FORCE continues to urge Americans to get involved in the fight against lung cancer and learn about their risk.
“The diagnosis of lung cancer shouldn't happen by chance, or so late, as it does for so many,” said Bill Pfeifer, Present and CEO of the American Lung Association of the Southwest. “Awareness about lung cancer and the availability of screening for high-risk populations is key to detecting lung cancer early, when more treatment options are available. In fact, when lung cancer is caught before it spreads, the likelihood of survival more than triples. This underscores the importance of public education and awareness about this deadly disease, because together, we can save lives.”
New research shows the need for continued education
The 3rd Annual Women's Lung Health Barometer surveyed more than 1,000 women to better understand what women know about lung cancer. The survey revealed:
These findings demonstrate the need for stronger awareness efforts. To address this, LUNG FORCE is launching a story drive in honor of Lung Cancer Awareness Month to demonstrate the devastating impact of lung cancer.
Women and men are urged to share their voice to help raise awareness about the leading cancer killer of men and women by sharing their story about how lung cancer has impacted their lives at LUNGFORCE.org. The American Lung Association and its LUNG FORCE initiative is trying to make significant strides in the fight against lung cancer by using our most powerful tool – our voices. This collection of personal stories will illustrate the impact that lung cancer has in our country, giving us the power to ignite change.
The American Lung Association recommends speaking with your doctor if you believe you may be at risk for lung cancer. Risk factors for lung cancer include smoking, exposure to secondhand smoke, radon gas, air pollution or genetic factors. Screening with annual low-dose CT scans for those considered high risk for lung cancer is now covered by most health insurance companies and Medicare. Learn more with this quiz to determine if you or someone you know should be screened for lung cancer at Lungcancerscreeningsaveslives.org.
To save the lives of the nearly quarter of a million Americans that will be diagnosed with lung cancer this year, and the 890 in Utah alone, more early detection methods and personalized treatment options are needed. Because, if lung cancer is caught before it spreads, the likelihood of survival more than triples. If Americans are aware of the facts, we can change this devastating reality.
For media interested in arranging an interview with a lung cancer survivor or lung cancer expert, contact Heather Mangan at the American Lung Association in Utah at heather.mangan@lung.org or 312-801-7631.
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About the American Lung Association in Utah
The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease, through research, education and advocacy. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to improve the air we breathe; to reduce the burden of lung disease on individuals and their families; and to eliminate tobacco use and tobacco-related diseases. For more information about the American Lung Association, a holder of the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Guide Seal, or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit the newly redesigned website: Lung.org.
