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

This Sunday (May 8), the American Lung Association in Rhode Island 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. This year, the Lung Association is illuminating major landmarks and buildings across the U.S. turquoise, including One World Trade, Niagara Falls, Hoover Dam, Willis Tower, the Wrigley Building and Tampa Riverwalk.  Here in Rhode Island participating landmarks include the Rhode Island State House, the Omni Group Building, Vets Memorial Auditorium, the IGT Building, and the Sakonnet River Bridge. 

“Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths among both women and men in our state. In 2022 alone, it is estimated that 980 Rhode Island 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 Daniel Fitzgerald, Director of Advocacy for the American Lung Association in Rhode Island.  “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 in Rhode Island.  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 Providence on June 11th at Roger Williams Park. 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 also asks anchors and news desks 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]