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

A Public Health Initiative to Fight Lung Cancer in Women

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Pyramid at Adventure Science Center in LUNG FORCE Turquoise

NASHVILLE TN (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 Tennessee 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."

As part of this week's launch, the American Lung Association in Tennessee is mobilizing a Turquoise Takeover for Nashville. Starting last night, various public structures have been bathed in turquoise light to draw attention to this important issue. The special lighting will continue throughout the week.

Those structures are the Parthenon, the State Capital cupola, the Pyramid at Adventure Science Center and Amerigo Italian Restaurant. The Amerigo wait staff (dressed in turquoise for LUNG FORCE) will also be serving American Lung Association signature Turquoise Stiletto cocktails with 10% of the proceeds going to the American Lung Association.

In addition, both Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam and Nashville Mayor Karl Dean have proclaimed this as Women's Lung Health Week in recognition of the importance of LUNG FORCE

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.

Dr. Pierre Massion, Professor of Medicine and Cancer Biology at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and a member of the national American Lung Association Lung Cancer Advisory Board had this to say about lung cancer:

"Most people are not aware that lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in women. In fact, almost twice as many women die of lung cancer as compared to breast cancer. Among those diagnosed with lung cancer the majority have either never smoked or quit smoking years ago. The American Lung Association wants to tackle that reality and render women aware that the lung cancer epidemic is best managed by prevention (to prevent taking up smoking and to encourage smoking cessation), early detection (screening high risk individuals with low dose Chest CT saves lives) and early treatment (surgery or other modalities). These all have a profound impact on survival, quality of life and cancer related deaths. The ALA's effort to bring this large LUNG FORCE movement forward is expected to have tremendous repercussions on individuals at risk, their families, health care systems and society at large. So 'What is your Lung Health Barometer?' How can you engage with policymakers? Join the ALA LUNG FORCE."

Local residents can learn more about LUNG FORCE by registering for and participating in the upcoming Fight for Air Walk, scheduled for 8:30 am this Saturday at Nashville's Public Square Park to help raise funds for the important work LUNG FORCE and the American Lung Association are doing in Tennessee and nationwide. Visit www.middletnwalk.org to learn more.

Local Resident Joins the Movement as a LUNG FORCE Hero

The most important focus of this campaign, however, are the women and families whose lives have been forever changed as a result of a lung cancer diagnosis.

The disease has personally affected area resident Jenny White. She writes:

"I had the "Cinderella" of lung cancer stories. My lung cancer was found in stage 1. Surgical removal of my right upper lobe made me cancer free before I even knew I had cancer.

Most folks with lung cancer aren't so fortunate. Few cases are diagnosed early, when any cancer is most curable. The five year survival rate is around 16%. Pretty poor outcomes for the #1 cause of cancer death! Contrast that with the survival rate of breast cancer which is now around 87% and you can see the sad disparity. Especially when more women will die of lung cancer than breast, ovarian and cervical cancers combined.

Lung cancer receives the least amount of federal funding research dollars of all cancers. Some would blame this on the smoking stigma, that if you get lung cancer you must have smoked and therefore brought it on yourself! Please know if you have lungs, you can get lung cancer. 20% of folks diagnosed are like me! we never smoked. 20% are actively smoking at the time of their diagnosis and 60% had stopped smoking 10, 15, 20+ years ago.

Smoking is not the disease. Lung cancer is!"

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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