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Lung Association Turns Mississippi Turquoise; Encourages Residents to Take Action to End Lung Cancer

Organization illuminates buildings and landmarks in turquoise, shares stories of those impacted to raise awareness of lung cancer

JACKSON, MS | May 8, 2023

This week the American Lung Association in Mississippi is turning the state turquoise to raise awareness of lung cancer and encourage residents to take action to end the disease.

The annual Lung Cancer Action Week and Turquoise Takeover celebration unites America to stand together against lung cancer. Each year, the organization turns the nation turquoise, the signature color of LUNG FORCE. Tate Reeves, Governor of Mississippi and George Flaggs, Mayor of Vicksburg, signed proclamations recognizing this week as Lung Cancer Action Week. In addition, the City of Pascagoula is illuminating the Round Island Lighthouse on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Other communities across the state are also supporting this initiative by displaying turquoise ribbons and joining the Lung Association’s social media campaign.  

“Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths among both women and men in our state, but there is hope. The five-year survival rate has increased by nearly 40% in the past decade thanks to 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,” said Rochelle Thompson, Director of Health Promotions for the American Lung Association. “There are actions we can all take to reduce the burden of lung cancer in Mississippi, so we ask you to join us.”
                                            
The American Lung Association shares six actions people can take this week to help in efforts to end lung cancer:
  1. Join a local LUNG FORCE Walk or creating a DIY Fundraiser to benefit those affected by lung cancer
  2. Share your lung cancer story to raise awareness and inspire hope
  3. Donate to help achieve a world free of lung cancer
  4. Get screened for lung cancer if eligible
  5. Test your home for radon
  6. Learn about the latest educational information on lung cancer

Since 2014, LUNG FORCE has raised over $26 million for lifesaving lung cancer research. Visit LUNGFORCE.org to learn how you can get involved during Lung Cancer Action Week and join the effort to defeat the disease.

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About the American Lung Association

The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy and research. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to champion clean air for all; to improve the quality of life for those with lung disease and their families; and to create a tobacco-free future. For more information about the American Lung Association, which has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and is a Platinum-Level GuideStar Member, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org. To support the work of the American Lung Association, find a local event at Lung.org/events.

For more information, contact:

Jill Smith
704-818-4138
[email protected]

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