American Lung Association to Host Media Availability with Key Lung Health Experts TODAY

ALBANY, NY (04/12/2010)(readMedia)-- What: The American Lung Association will host a media availability webinar/teleconference call in order to highlight the contents of its new report, Too Many Cases, Too Many Deaths: Lung Cancer in African Americans. During the media availability, the Lung Association will share research that it compiled from various sources, which examines the health disparity of lung cancer among African Americans and possible contributing biological, environmental, political and cultural factors.

WHO: Dr. William J. Hicks, Professor of Clinical Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute; Co-Director Diversity Enhancement; Columbus, OH

Diane Boudreaux Kraft, Ph.D., lung cancer survivor since 2004

Chuck D. Connor, American Lung Association President and CEO

Dr. Norman Edelman, American Lung Association Chief Medical Officer

Katherine Pruitt, American Lung Association Assistant Vice President of Program Services

WHEN: Monday, April 12, 2010, at 3:00 – 4:00 PM (EST)

WHY: African Americans suffer from lung cancer more than any other population group in the United States. They are more likely to get it, and more likely to die from it. African American men in particular are at increased risk – they are 37 percent more likely to develop lung cancer than white men, even though their overall exposure to cigarette smoke – the primary risk factor for lung cancer – is lower. This report provides advocates for lung cancer and African American health much needed health information that can be used in the fight against lung cancer.

RSVP: Pre-registration is required. Upon registration, the Lung Association will email copies of the report to members of the media. To obtain access information, please contact Mary Havell at mhavell@lungusa.org.

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 or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872) or visit www.lungusa.org.

###