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

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CHATTANOOGA 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 Chattanooga with the Aquarium bathed in turquoise light on Wednesday (May 14) and Thursday (May 15) to draw attention to this important issue.

The Big Chill at 103 Cherokee Blvd will also be supporting the Turquoise Takeover by offering turquoise drinks and donating 25% of the sales on May 14 and 15.

In addition, both Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam and Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger 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 Nashville's 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 profound a 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 Resident Join 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 Cathy Barker, a four-year Lung Cancer survivor. She writes:

"You have Stage 3 LUNG CANCER." When I heard my diagnosis four and a half years ago, I immediately remembered my mother and her death from lung cancer here 22 years ago. She died two weeks after her diagnosis while I remain cancer-free almost five years later. Why? Progress in research. Progress in medically treating this deadly killer of non-smoking women. Progress in changing the public's attitude toward lung disease to a realization that lung disease CAN be detected early and successfully treated if each of us researches our family medical history, asks pertinent questions about our lung health at our annual checkups, and makes our own lung health and that of our family a top priority.

GIVE financially to underwrite continued research. PROTECT your lungs from dangerous fumes. CHECK for the reason behind a dry cough or hoarseness or shallow breathing. SUPPORT the American Lung Association in Tennessee, especially, our local Chattanooga office of the American Lung Association. Together, WE can lower those deadly lung cancer mortality statistics. I rejoice and thank the Lord that I am living proof of what is possible through excellent health care professionals, a progressive research focus, and a caring local support community.

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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