May 5 Kicks off Lung Cancer Action Week! Lung Association Offers Free Lung Cancer Screenings to Illinois Residents

The American Lung Association's Lung Cancer Action Week kicks off May 5 and it will place a focus on Black men and women getting screened for lung cancer.

The annual observance raises awareness about lung cancer and encourages action to prevent and detect it early. In fact, the Lung Association is offering free lung cancer screenings to Illinois residents now through the month of May.

“In recent years, lung cancer cases have dramatically increased among the Black community. Black Illinoisans experience some of the highest rates of lung cancer among underrepresented racial or ethnic groups in the state,” said Mikayla Pittman, Manager, Nationwide Lung Cancer Screening for the Lung Association.

“Lung cancer is the #1 cause of cancer deaths for women and men in this country, accounting for more than 20% of cancer deaths. Early detection through lung cancer screenings is vital because lung cancer is much easier to treat if found at an early stage, and before it has spread to other parts of the body.”

The Illinois Lung Cancer Screening Initiative aims to increase screening rates and address lung cancer disparities.

Black Illinoisians experience a higher rate of new lung cancer cases with a rate of 66.8 per 100,000 compared to the rate of 55.1 per 100,000 new lung cancer cases among Black individuals nationally. Black women and men are also significantly less likely than their white counterparts to be diagnosed at an early stage and receive treatment for lung cancer. As a result, Black individuals also face a lung cancer survival rate that is lower than that of white men and women.

The lung cancer screening program runs through the end of June and individuals statewide are encouraged to participate. Under the program, participants can call a Lung Health Navigator at 844-ALA-LUNG to find out if they are eligible for a lung cancer screening. If eligible, the Lung Association will provide callers with information on nearby screening centers along with guidance on how to obtain a referral from their doctor.

A Navigator will also assist with financial barriers to care by covering the outstanding balance of the lung cancer screening in addition to arranging a free ride to the screening location, if necessary.

The scans are covered by most insurance plans. However, if participants don’t have insurance, then the Lung Association will cover the screening costs. Participants can find more information at Lung.org/lcs-assistance.

If you’d like to speak with an American Lung Association rep about the Lung Screening Program, please contact Janye Killelea at [email protected] or call (312) 940-7624.