New Survey: Most Americans Don’t Know About Lifesaving Lung Cancer Screening

Survey data released today show that only 36% of people know that lung cancer screening is available and 29% know that lung cancer is the leading cancer killer of women and men. Today, the American Lung Association’s LUNG FORCE initiative released the 2021 Lung Health Barometer to shed light on the daunting statistics surrounding this devastating disease.

In honor of Lung Cancer Awareness Month in November, the American Lung Association in South Florida will be sharing new resources, the State of Lung Cancer Report (November 16) and inspiring patient stories, as well as raising critical funding for a cure, and bringing awareness to life-saving lung cancer screening information through a first of its kind “Saved by the Scan” screening campaign, locally Presented by Baptist Health South Florida.

“In Florida, it is estimated that 18,470 people will be diagnosed with lung cancer and 10,940 will succumb to the disease in 2021. Lung cancer screening is the only way to detect the disease at an early stage when it is more curable,” said Chrissy Cohen, executive director for the Lung Association in South Florida. “Unfortunately, only 3.2% of people in Florida who qualify have had a lung cancer screening. This is why this partnership is critical to raise awareness about this lifesaving screening.”

“Many people aren’t aware that with a quick, painless and safe test, they can be screened,” said Manmeet Ahluwalia, M.D., deputy director, chief scientific officer and chief of solid tumor medical oncology at Baptist Health’s Miami Cancer Institute.. “We hope those at risk will take advantage of this test.”

The South Florida “Saved by the Scan” comprehensive public awareness campaign includes a video public service announcement, digital and print advertisements, and social media. For more information about the campaign, visit BaptistHealth.net/LungScreening and BaptistSalud.net/EvaluacionDePulmon.

To support advancements in screening, research and local programs for patients and families impacted by lung cancer and COVID-19, the Lung Association in South Florida will also be honoring lung cancer awareness month by launching the 4th Annual LUNG FORCE Turquoise Takeover Matching Gift Challenge; a community-wide fundraising campaign. Community champions and sponsors have generously pledged to match 1:1 every dollar raised up to $35,000 through June of 2022. Proceeds will benefit the American Lung Association’s lung cancer and COVID-19 relief efforts. If you would like to step up to the challenge by becoming an esteemed LUNG FORCE Turquoise Takeover Ambassador, or by making a one-time donation to the Matching Challenge, click here.

Some statistics and key findings from the 2021 Lung Health Barometer that may surprise you:

• 29% of Americans know that lung cancer is the leading cancer killer of women and men, which is an 8% increase from the 2020 Lung Health Barometer.
• Although lung cancer is the leading cancer killer of women and men, only 10% of adults understand that lung cancer is among the most likely cancers to affect women while 35% know that it was among those likely to affect men.
• Only 36% of respondents know that lung cancer screening is now available for early detection of the disease.

See more Lung Health Barometer survey results here.

For more information on the Matching Challenge, how to become a Turquoise Takeover Ambassador, or for sponsorship opportunities, please contact Jenisa Malave at 754-218-9401 or [email protected]

For media interested in scheduling an interview with a lung cancer expert, contact Jill Dale at 312-940-7001 or [email protected].