Lung Cancer Action Week: Free Screenings Available to Louisiana Residents

This week is Lung Cancer Action Week, and the American Lung Association is raising awareness of lung cancer and encouraging Louisiana residents to take action to help end the disease. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in Louisiana. Lung cancer screening saves lives by detecting the disease at an earlier stage when it’s more likely to be curable. 

The Lung Association is offering free lung cancer screenings to eligible Louisiana residents through its Louisiana Lung Cancer Screening Initiative, which runs through November 30. Individuals in the following parishes face higher rates of lung cancer than those in neighboring parishes and are urged to participate in the program: Acadia Parish, Avoyelles Parish, Evangeline Parish, St. Landry Parish, Terrebonne Parish and Tangipahoa Parish.

“This year, nearly 3,300 Louisianans will be diagnosed with lung cancer. But there is hope. Thanks to advancements in early detection, treatment and research, the five-year survival rate has improved by 44% over the past decade,” said Eric Weinzettle, Louisiana director of advocacy for the Lung Association. “Getting screened, raising awareness, and supporting funding for lung cancer research is more important than ever and we encourage our community to take action during Lung Cancer Action Week.”

In commemoration, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry issued a proclamation recognizing Lung Cancer Action Week and urging residents to learn more about lung cancer and lifesaving lung cancer screening. According to the proclamation, “Lung cancer screening saves lives, and advocacy and increased awareness will result in more high-risk individuals getting screened.”

In addition to getting screened for lung cancer, the American Lung Association shares five actions people can take this week to help in efforts to end lung cancer:

1. Join a local LUNG FORCE Walk or create a DIY Fundraiser to benefit those affected by lung cancer
2. Share your lung cancer story to raise awareness and inspire hope
3. Test your home for radon
4. Learn about the latest educational information on lung cancer
5. Donate to help achieve a world free of lung cancer

The annual Lung Cancer Action Week and Turquoise Takeover celebration (May 5-11) unites America to stand together to end lung cancer. Each year, the American Lung Association turns the nation turquoise—the signature color of LUNG FORCE—by illuminating buildings and landmarks across the country, encouraging the public to wear turquoise and share their support on social media and highlighting the stories of those impacted by lung cancer to inspire hope and save lives.

Since 2014, LUNG FORCE has raised over $32 million for lifesaving lung cancer research, expanding its research commitment by 140%. Through education, advocacy and research, LUNG FORCE is working to ensure that fewer people are diagnosed and those living with the disease live longer. To learn more and get involved during Lung Cancer Action Week and Turquoise Takeover, visit LUNGFORCE.org.

To learn more about the Louisiana Lung Cancer Screening Initiative, call 844-ALA-LUNG (844-252-5864) or visit Lung.org/lcs-assistance.