Lung Association Turns Delaware Turquoise to Raise Awareness for Lung Cancer, Promote Lifesaving Screening

The  American Lung Association in Delaware is turning the state turquoise to raise awareness of lung cancer and educate more people about lifesaving screening. 

The Lung Association’s LUNG FORCE initiative’s annual Turquoise Takeover celebration (May 8-14) unites America to raise critical awareness of lung cancer, the nation’s leading cancer killer. Each year, the organization turns the nation turquoise, the signature color of LUNG FORCE. Here in Delaware, we are asking news anchors to wear turquoise on air on Tuesday, May 10 and illuminating major Delaware landmarks and buildings turquoise, as well as throughout the U.S. including Niagara Falls, One World Trade Center, Hoover Dam, Willis Tower, the Wrigley Building and Tampa Riverwalk. Delaware illuminations (and illumination dates) include: 

AAA Building, Wilmington, May 8-14; Frawley Stadium, infield signage, during game on May 8; AstraZeneca, May 8-14, Newark; Legislative Hall, Dover, May 9; Dover Motor Speedway, Monster Monument, May 8-14; Indian River Inlet Bridge (Charles W. Cullen Bridge) May 8-14; Rehoboth City Hall, May 8-14; and Rehoboth Bandstand, May 9.  

Governor John Carney and Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long issued a proclamation in observance of Turquoise Takeover Week for the State of Delaware encouraging all residents to learn more about lung cancer, risk factors and early detection. 

For available illumination images, visit here (will be updated by evening of May 9th as well). 

“Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths among both women and men in our state. In 2022 alone, it is estimated that 910 Delaware residents will be diagnosed with lung cancer. But there is hope. The five-year survival rate – the percentage of people who are still alive five years after being diagnosed – increased by a dramatic 33% in the past ten years,” said Deborah Brown, Chief Mission Officer, of the American Lung Association. “Raising awareness and funds for lung cancer is more important than ever. We encourage our community to get involved in Turquoise Takeover.” 

Lung cancer screening is key to early diagnosis, and early diagnosis saves lives. Unfortunately, only 5.7% of those at high risk have been screened, including 9% in Delaware. This week, the Lung Association also released new creative for the groundbreaking “Saved By The Scan” campaign called A Hope Story. This new public service announcement educates people who smoke and used to smoke about the low-dose CT scan that can detect lung cancer in the early stages, when the disease is more curable. 

The “Saved by the Scan” campaign is making a difference. In fact, more than 750,000 Americans have learned if they are at high risk for lung cancer through the online quiz. If you smoke or smoked, learn more about lung cancer screening at SavedByTheScan.org. 

How You Can Help:  

Anyone can support Turquoise Takeover by wearing turquoise, helping to raise funds and awareness by joining us for the Monday, May 9th Ben Franklin Bridge Walk - and watch the Philadelphia skyline illuminate turquoise and then head over to Yard Brewery for snacks and drinks (5% of proceeds will be donated to support LUNG FORCE in Greater Philadelphia). Or, sign up for an upcoming LUNG FORCE Walk including the LUNG FORCE Walk Philadelphia on Saturday, May 14 at Headhouse Square starting at 8:30 a.m. or the LUNG FORCE Walk Pittsburgh, sponsored by UPMC, on Saturday, May 21 at 8:30 a.m. LUNG FORCE Walks raise funds to defeat lung cancer and anyone can join. 

Turquoise Takeover Week was created by the American Lung Association’s LUNG FORCE – a national initiative uniting Americans against lung cancer in 2014. Learn other ways to get involved with Turquoise Takeover at LUNGFORCE.org/TurquoiseTakeover.  

Media interested in more lung cancer stats, or speaking with a lung health expert, contact Val Gleason at 717-971-1123 or [email protected].