Lung Association Urges Residents to Take Action to End Lung Cancer

This week, the American Lung Association in Florida is turning Jacksonville turquoise to raise awareness of lung cancer and encourage residents to take action to end the disease.

The annual Lung Cancer Action Week and Turquoise Takeover celebration unites America to stand together against lung cancer. Each year, the organization turns the nation turquoise, the signature color of LUNG FORCE. Here in Jacksonville the Lung Association is illuminating major landmarks and buildings turquoise, including the Mayo Clinic, Daily's Place, Acosta Bridge, Haskell, and Brunet-Garcia. In addition, the Lung Association has received a proclamation from the City of Jacksonville declaring May 8-14 Lung Cancer Action Week.

“Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths among both women and men in our state, but there is hope. The five-year survival rate has increased by nearly 40% in the past decade thanks to improved early detection of the disease through lung cancer screening and advancements in research, which have resulted in more than 50 new lung cancer treatments approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since 2016,” said Aakash Modi, MD, Local Leadership Board Member for the American Lung Association, and Interventional Pulmonologist with Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center. “There are actions we can all take to reduce the burden of lung cancer in Florida, so we ask you to join us.”

The American Lung Association shares six actions people can take this week to help in efforts to end lung cancer:

• Join the Jacksonville LUNG FORCE Run/Walk on October 14 at Haskell or create a DIY Fundraiser to benefit those affected by lung cancer
• Share your lung cancer story to raise awareness and inspire hope
• Donate to help achieve a world free of lung cancer
• Get screened for lung cancer if eligible
• Test your home for radon
• Learn about the latest educational information on lung cancer

Since 2014, LUNG FORCE has raised over $26 million for lifesaving lung cancer research. Visit LUNGFORCE.org to learn how you can get involved during Lung Cancer Action Week and join the effort to defeat the disease.

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About the American Lung Association

The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy and research. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to champion clean air for all; to improve the quality of life for those with lung disease and their families; and to create a tobacco-free future. For more information about the American Lung Association, a holder of the coveted 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and a Platinum-Level GuideStar Member, or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org.

About LUNG FORCE

The American Lung Association's LUNG FORCE initiative unites people impacted by lung cancer and their caregivers across the country to stand together against lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer deaths. Increased awareness about lung cancer, more education on lifesaving screening and more research funding are critical to fuel lifesaving breakthroughs. Through education, advocacy and research, LUNG FORCE works to provide hope to all those impacted by the disease and save more lives. Find out more at LUNGFORCE.org.

American Lung Association

1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) Lung.org