Lung Cancer Action Week: Take Six Actions To Save Lives

This week, the American Lung Association is turning Mississippi turquoise to raise awareness about lung cancer, honor those impacted and encourage residents to take action to help end the disease, which is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths.

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.

In commemoration, Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves will sign a proclamation recognizing Lung Cancer Action Week on Thursday, May 8. The proclamation will urge Mississippians to learn more about the disease, risk factors and lifesaving lung cancer screening and encourage community members to take action.

“This year, nearly 2,500 Mississippians 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 Calandra Davis, Mississippi advocacy director for the Lung Association. “Each year, we turn the nation turquoise and tell the stories of those impacted by lung cancer to change the public's perception about the disease and help save more lives. Anyone can get lung cancer, and no one deserves it. Raising awareness and funds for lung cancer research is more important than ever and we encourage our community to get involved in Turquoise Takeover.”

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 create a DIY Fundraiser to benefit those affected by lung cancer
2. Share your lung cancer story to raise awareness and inspire hope
3. Get screened for lung cancer if you are eligible
4. Test your home for radon
5. Learn about the latest educational information on lung cancer
6. Donate to help achieve a world free of lung cancer

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.

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths, with someone diagnosed approximately every two minutes in the U.S. Thankfully, survival rates have significantly increased, aided by improved early detection through screening and more than 65 new FDA-approved treatments since 2016.

To learn more and get involved during Lung Cancer Action Week and Turquoise Takeover, visit LUNGFORCE.org.