Lung cancer remains the number one cancer killer in America, yet there is more reason than ever for hope. New screening methods and treatments are being developed for early detection to help improve survival and quality of life. Unfortunately lung cancer patients, like my father, are too often blamed for their disease because they smoked. By participating in Lung Cancer Awareness Week, I hope to emphasize that lung cancer patients deserve dignity and respect in their fight against the disease.
Lung cancer is often under reported in the media, and is frequently associated with smoking.
The Lung Cancer Awareness Week partners have commissioned a media analysis to contrast the media coverage of lung cancer to breast, colorectal and prostate cancers for one year, the results of which will be released during the week. Prior to and during Lung Cancer Awareness Week, local educational seminars for patients, their families and health care professionals will be held to raise awareness about the disease and promote the latest research findings. The campaign's partners, Cancer Care, Inc., the Oncology Nursing Society, and The Wellness Community, will host these programs. Celebrities Speak Out Christy Turlington and Richard Marx know all too well the devastating effects lung cancer can have on families. They both directly experienced the impact lung cancer has on the patient and their loved ones, especially when it is detected late.