Hey Louisville! Bust Out Your Turquoise for Lung Cancer Action Week

Next week, the American Lung Association in Kentucky is turning Louisville turquoise for Lung Cancer Action Week to raise awareness of lung cancer and encourage residents to take action to end the disease.

The annual Lung Cancer Action Week (May 6-12, 2024) unites America to stand together against lung cancer. Each year, the organization turns the nation turquoise, the signature color of LUNG FORCE, by illuminating buildings and landmarks across the U.S., encouraging the public to wear turquoise and post a selfie on social media, and to take action to help end lung cancer and save more lives.

Here in Louisville, the Lung Association is illuminating major landmarks and buildings turquoise, including the Governor’s Mansion, Wright Tower, KY Center for the Arts, Lynn Family Stadium and the Big 4 Bridge. In addition, staff at the following businesses will be wear turquoise:  Evan Willams, Tri-Arrows, Scion, Family Allergy & Asthma, Norton Healthcare, UL/Mary & Elizabeth and Protect Environmental.

The Lung Association also shares seven actions people can take this week to help end lung cancer:

1. Wear turquoise between May 6-12, 2024.
2. Attend the 30th Anniversary Derby Eve Gala on May 3rd at the Seelbach Hilton.
3. Share your lung cancer story to raise awareness and inspire hope.
4. Get screened for lung cancer if you are eligible.
5. Test your home for radon.
6. Learn about the latest educational information on lung cancer.
7. Donate to help achieve a world free of lung cancer.

“In 2024 alone, it is estimated that 2,190 Kentucky residents will be diagnosed with lung cancer. But there is hope. We have seen incredible advancements in early diagnosis, treatment and survivorship from lung cancer. In fact, the five-year survival rate has increased by over 50% in the past decade,” said Deena Adams, Executive Director of the Lung Association. “Raising awareness and funds for lung cancer is more important than ever. We encourage our community to get involved in Lung Cancer Action Week.”

2024 marks the 10th anniversary of the Lung Association’s movement to end lung cancer—LUNG FORCE. Through education, advocacy and research, LUNG FORCE is working to ensure that fewer people are diagnosed and those living with the disease live longer. Since 2014, LUNG FORCE has raised more than $30 million for lifesaving lung cancer research, expanding its research commitment by 286%.

Visit LUNGFORCE.org to learn how you can get involved during Lung Cancer Action Week and join the effort to end lung cancer.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths, and about every two minutes, someone is diagnosed with the disease. Thankfully, survival rates of lung cancer have significantly increased in the last 10 years. This encouraging trend has been aided by 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.