American Lung Association in Ohio Joins in Nationwide Launch of LUNG FORCE

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CLEVELAND, COLUMBUS, CINCINNATI (05/13/2014)(readMedia)-- .

CVS Caremark signs on as national presenting sponsor to raise awareness of the #1 cancer killer of women

Today the American Lung Association in Ohio joined forces with Lung Associations across the country and national presenting sponsor, CVS Caremark, to launch LUNG FORCE, a new initiative to make lung cancer in women a public health priority, drive policy change and increase research funding.

Why LUNG FORCE?

Lung cancer is the #1 cancer killer of women, killing almost twice as many women as any other cancer. In fact, statistics show that fewer than half of all women diagnosed with lung cancer survive one year after diagnosis. The fact is that anyone can get lung cancer - including women who don't currently smoke or who have successfully quit smoking.

Yet, according to new research from the American Lung Association's Women's Lung Health Barometer, only 1 percent of women identify lung cancer as a cancer that is top-of-mind for them.

"The startling statistics uncovered through the Barometer point to a lack of awareness and sense of urgency among women and underscores the need to change our thinking about this disease," said Barry Gottschalk, President and CEO of the American Lung Association of the Midland States – which serves Kentucky, Tennessee, Ohio and Michigan. "Women need to know the facts about lung cancer, to raise their voices and to rally their friends and family members to make lung cancer a public health priority. That is why today we are launching Lung Force, a new national movement to rally and unite women in the fight against lung cancer and for lung health."

Ohio Governor John Kasich has proclaimed this as Women's Lung Health Week in recognition of the importance of LUNG FORCE.

As part of this week's launch, the American Lung Association in Ohio has arranged for two well-known public landmarks to participate in a Turquoise Takeover with Cleveland's Terminal Tower and Cincinnati's Carew Tower bathed in turquoise light to draw attention to this important issue

Through locally-based and nationwide efforts, LUNG FORCE will educate and empower patients and healthcare providers, focus public policy on addressing the disease and its causes, and raise critical funds for research into better detection and targeted treatments for lung cancer.

For more information on how to spread the word and follow the movement visit LUNGFORCE.org.

About The Women's Lung Health Barometer

The Women's Lung Health Barometer Study was fielded online by Edelman Berland in January 2014 and included 1007 women in the U.S., ages 18+. The data was weighted to be nationally representative on age, region and race/ethnicity. The margin of error is ±3.0%. Edelman Berland is a global, full-service market research firm that provides corporate, non-profit and government clients with strategic intelligence to make their communications and engagements with stakeholders the smartest they can be. The firm specializes in qualitative and quantitative research, measurement, tracking and analysis in reputation, branding and communications.

About the American Lung Association

Now in its second century, the American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. With your generous support, the American Lung Association is "Fighting for Air" through research, education and advocacy. 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-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872) or visit www.lung.org.

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