American Lung Association recognizes Women’s Lung Health Week
The American Lung Association and its LUNG FORCE initiative turned South Carolina turquoise during National Women’s Lung Health Week (May 6-12) in support of those whose lives have been impacted by lung cancer. LUNG FORCE is uniting the nation to raise voices and make lung cancer—the leading cause of cancer deaths among women and men—a public health priority. Landmarks and communities across the nation will be illuminated in turquoise, the signature color of LUNG FORCE.
“Lung cancer has been in the shadows for far too long. When you think of cancers affecting women, most people don’t initially think of lung cancer, yet it’s the leading cancer killer of both women and men,” said American Lung Association Executive Director in South Carolina, Rebecca Balitsaris. “We’re raising awareness about lung cancer through LUNG FORCE and during National Women’s Lung Health Week, and are proud to stand with those facing the disease.”
In South Carolina an estimated 4,630 women and men will be diagnosed with lung cancer this year alone. Yet according to the Lung Health Barometer, only three percent of women consider lung cancer a top-of-mind health concern. The American Lung Association’s LUNG FORCE initiative is seeking to change this.
During National Women’s Lung Health Week, the Lung Association is highlighting the experiences of LUNG FORCE Heroes, those whose lives have been impacted by lung cancer, including local Summerville resident Laura Welter.
“It was a series of moments in the loss of my grandfather, my mother-in-law and then my aunt —a mother of four and grandmother of eight —that I knew lung cancer would not define me … they are my true inspiration that voices needed to be heard to raise awareness and funding, said Welter.
Facts about lung cancer:
•Lung cancer accounts for only four percent of all American cancer survivors.
•An estimated 234,030 Americans will be diagnosed with lung cancer this year.
•Risk factors include smoking as well as exposure to radon gas, secondhand smoke and air pollution. Genetic factors can play a role and sometimes the cause of lung cancer is not known.
•Early detection and treatment of lung cancer translates to higher survival rates, however only 18 percent of lung cancer cases among women are diagnosed early, when the disease is more curable.
•From May 6 – 26, CVS Pharmacy customers can make a donation of $1, $3 or more at the register to raise funds for lung cancer awareness, research and education. The in-store fundraising campaign is part of Be The First, a 5-year $50 million initiative funded through CVS Health and the CVS Health Foundation to help deliver the nation’s first tobacco-free generation. Customers can also visit Lung.org/cvs for easy ways to help their communities become tobacco-free and access discounts on quit smoking resources.