American Lung Association celebrates Lung Cancer Action Week and turns New Jersey turquoise
Organization illuminates buildings and landmarks in turquoise, shares stories of those impacted to raise awareness of lung cancer
NEW JERSEY – The American Lung Association is turning the nation – including New Jersey – turquoise to raise awareness of lung cancer and encourage residents to take action to end the disease during Lung Cancer Action Week May 8-14.
In 2023, It is estimated that 5,920 people in New Jersey alone will be diagnosed with lung cancer this year and 2,800 will die from the disease. Nationally, every day, lung cancer takes the lives of more than 5,720 of our friends, neighbors and loved ones.
Lung Cancer Action Week and the organization’s annual Turquoise Takeover celebration unites America to stand together against lung cancer. Each year, the organization turns the nation turquoise, the signature color of LUNG FORCE.
In New Jersey, the following landmarks will help shine a light on lung cancer: TRIAD1828 Building, Camden, May 8-12; “Trenton Makes the World Takes” sign at the Lower Trenton Toll Supported Bridge, May 8-10; 9th Street Bridge, Ocean City May 8; and the Scotch Plains Municipal Building, May 8.
Across the nation, the Lung Association is illuminating major landmarks and buildings turquoise, including: Niagara Falls, Times Square, One World Trade Center and the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge in New York, M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, and Lincoln Field and Wells Fargo Center in Pennsylvania and many more.
“Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths among both women and men in our state, but there is hope. The five-year survival rate has increased by nearly 40% in the past decade thanks to improved early detection of the disease through lung cancer screening and advancements in research, which have resulted in more than 50 new lung cancer treatments approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since 2016,” said Michael Seilback, National AVP, State Public Policy, American Lung Association. “There are actions we can all take to reduce the burden of lung cancer locally, so we ask you to join us.”
The American Lung Association shares seven actions people can take this week to help in efforts to end lung cancer:
- Join a LUNG FORCE Walk or create a DIY Fundraiser to benefit those affected by lung cancer.
- Share your lung cancer story to raise awareness and inspire hope.
- Donate to help achieve a world free of lung cancer.
- Get screened for lung cancer if eligible.
- Test your home for radon.
- Learn about the latest educational information on lung cancer.
- Wear turquoise during Lung Cancer Action Week (May 8-14) and use hashtags #TurquoiseTakeover.
Since 2014, LUNG FORCE has raised over $26 million for lifesaving lung cancer research. Visit LUNGFORCE.org to learn how you can get involved during Lung Cancer Action Week and join the effort to defeat the disease.
