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

This Sunday (May 8), the American Lung Association in Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts, the Lung Association is illuminating major landmarks and buildings turquoise, including Zakim Bridge, Longfellow Bridge, ForeRiver Bridge, Burns Bridge, the Hyatt Regency Boston and Cambridge City Hall. Confirmed national landmarks include One World Trade, Niagara Falls, Hoover Dam, Willis Tower, the Wrigley Building and Tampa Riverwalk.

“Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths among both women and men in our state. In 2022 alone, it is estimated that 5,600 Massachusetts 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 Trevor Summerfield, Director of Advocacy for the American Lung Association in Massachusetts.  “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 6% of those at high risk have been screened nationally. In Massachusetts, 18% of high risk people have been screened, positioning Massachusetts as a leader on the issue, but with plenty of room to improve.  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.

Anyone can support Turquoise Takeover by wearing turquoise, helping to raise funds and awareness by signing up for a local LUNG FORCE Walk, including the LUNG FORCE Walk Boston on June 18th at Franklin Park Zoo. 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. The campaign includes an ask for news anchors to turn turquoise on air on Tuesday, May 10. 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 Jen Solomon at 516-680-8927 or [email protected]