Mission Moment June 2019

LUNG CANCER

LUNG FORCE Hero: LUNG FORCE Hero Sandy B. was shocked when she was diagnosed with lung cancer in March of 2017. "I want people to realize that healthy people can get lung cancer. If you have lungs, you can get lung cancer," said Sandy. By joining LUNG FORCE, Sandy was able to connect with other lung cancer survivors. "You feel like you're the only person with this when you're diagnosed with the disease. "It's awesome to hear the stories of people who have survived for five years or more." Sandy joined us for the 4th annual LUNG FORCE Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C. and stood together with LUNG FORCE Heroes from all 50 states to advocate for quality, affordable healthcare and to protect people with pre-existing conditions like lung cancer.

Know Your Lung Cancer Treatment Options:  Are you a newly diagnosed lung cancer patient confused about your treatment options? Visit our My Lung Cancer Treatment Planning Tool to help figure out exactly what to ask and how to talk to your doctor.

RESEARCH

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatment in the Elderly: Despite the rapid expansion of therapeutic options for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), little is known about the real-world impact of these new treatments, particularly among elderly patients. Dr. Youn's study aims to examine the patterns of use, survival, and cost of novel treatments that are commonly used for advanced NSCLC patients receiving care in routine oncology practice. 

TOBACCO

Tenth Anniversary of the Tobacco Control Act: On June 22, 2009, we achieved a major victory when the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act was signed into law by President Barack Obama, giving the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the authority to regulate tobacco products.  FDA established the Center for Tobacco Products to implement the law.  On June 22, we celebrate the 10th anniversary of this historic act, and applaud the many beneficial changes made because of it, including mandating graphic warning labels, restricting marketing and sales of tobacco products to youth and requiring disclosure of ingredients in tobacco products.

However, the FDA has fallen far short in protecting youth from e-cigarettes, resulting in an epedemic of e-cigarette use and nicotine addition in young people. Please join by signing our petition calling on FDA to use its full authority to protect our kids from e-cigarettes and all tobacco products by eliminating all flavored tobacco products!

Tobacco 21 Laws Prevent Youth Tobacco Use: Raising the minimum sales age for tobacco to 21 will reduce youth tobacco use and save lives. Virtually all adult smokers had their first cigarette before turning 21, and most before age 18.  Thirteen states have now raised the age for tobacco sales to 21 and several others including, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas and Vermont have Tobacco 21 laws working through their legislatures or awaiting the governor's signature. In addition, bipartisanTobacco 21 bills have been introduced in both the U.S. House and Senate that could make Tobacco 21 the law of the land.

The American Lung Association has been a leader on this initiative, and our volunteers and staff across the country have worked tirelessly to achieve these important victories.  Now we can all work together to see Tobacco 21 become the law of the land. Please add your voice and speak up for tobacco to 21 nationwide . Learn more and track progress across the U.S.

HEALTHY AIR

UN's World Environment Day: On June 5, the Lung Association was proud to be a participant in the United Nations' World Environment Day. World Environment Day promotes worldwide awareness and action on a key theme, and this year's focus — air pollution — aligns nicely with our 2019 "Year of Air Pollution and Health" activities. As part of World Environment Day, our Chief Medical Officer Dr. Albert Rizzo spoke on a panel at the New York Times building, and the Lung Association led the U.S. health and medical community in a World Environment Day social media push.

Webcast for Health Professionals on Climate Change and Respiratory Health: On May 30, the Lung Association held a webcast for health professionals titled "What Public Health Professionals Should Know and Communicate About Climate Change and Respiratory Health." More than 250 health professionals registered for this webcast. You can view the webinar by registering here.

HEALTH PROMOTIONS

Supporting Patients Living with Chronic Cough: People living with chronic cough often experience disruptions of otherwise enjoyable activities that can result in embarrassment, anxiety and social withdrawal. For this reason and others, chronic cough is one of the most frequent reasons for consultation with a healthcare provider. The American Lung Association is pleased to share new resources that provide education and support to individuals living with chronic cough.  Learn more about chronic cough and take a quiz at Lung.org/chronic-cough.

Understanding Asthma and Climate Change: On May 23, we hosted a webcast titled "Asthma and Climate Change: Tips all People with Asthma Should Know."  The purpose of the webcast was to provide an opportunity for patients and caregivers to learn more about outdoor air quality, climate change and the impacts it has on asthma. Almost 500 people registered for this webcast. You can view this webcast on demand here.

EVENTS

Walk Season is Here: LUNG FORCE Walk, Run/Walk season is in full swing! Why join a LUNG FORCE Walk?

• Every five minutes, a woman in the U.S. is told that she has lung cancer.
• Lung cancer is the #1 cancer killer of women.
• Anyone can get it — if you have lungs, you can get lung cancer, and it's on the rise in women.
• More than 35 million Americans are currently living with a chronic lung disease.

Walkers raise awareness and funds to help defeat lung cancer and for lung health. Each dollar raised gets us  closer to healthy lungs for everyone. Find an event near you. Don't see a LUNG FORCE event near you? Sign up to get the latest news and information about lung cancer, and to be informed when an event is announced near you.

EACH Breath Blog

Whether you're seeking a diagnosis for a lung condition or you've finally figured out why you're struggling to breathe, a pulmonologist is a type of doctor you may be referred to see. Learn more about this important medical specialty in our recent blog, "Know Your Providers: What Does a Pulmonologist Do?"

You make our mission possible!

Because of your support, we can conduct research to discover new ways to prevent, treat and even cure lung disease. We can help keep kids from smoking and help smokers quit. We can provide information and resources that improve quality of life for people with chronic lung diseases like asthma and COPD. Thanks to your support, we can continue to clean up the air we all share, and so much more. Thank you for all you do to help us all breathe easier! If you would like to become more involved, we always have opportunities for those who share our passion for lung health to join in our work.