American Lung Association turns New Jersey turquoise to raise awareness for lung cancer, promote lifesaving screening

NEW JERSEY – The American Lung Association in New Jersey is turning the state turquoise today 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, from 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. Here in New Jersey, we are asking news anchors to wear turquoise on air on Tuesday, May 10 and the Lung Association is illuminating New Jersey landmarks and buildings turquoise, as well as throughout the U.S. including Niagara Falls, One World Trade Center, Hoover Dam, Willis Tower, the Wrigley Building and Tampa Riverwalk. New Jersey illuminations (and illumination dates) and proclamations include:

• 1828 Triad Building, Camden, NJ, May 8-14; Union County Administration Building, May 9; “Trenton Makes The World Takes” sign at the Lower Trenton Toll Supported Bridge, May 9-14; Fanwood Municipal Building, May 9; and Scotch Plains Municipal Building, May 9.
• Scotch Plains Mayor Joshua G. Losardo and Council and Fanwood Mayor Colleen Mahr and Council have issued proclamations designating the second week of May as Turquoise Takeover week, encouraging all residents to learn more about lung cancer, risk factors and early detection.
• New Jersey residents can also see One World Trade Center shining turquoise on the evening of Monday, May 9.

“Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths among both women and men in our state. In 2022 alone, it is estimated that 5,980 New Jersey 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 Michael Seilback, National AVP, Public Policy, American Lung Association. “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 5.7% of those at high risk have been screened, including 3% in New Jersey. 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.

Turquoise Takeover Week was created by the American Lung Association’s LUNG FORCE – a national initiative uniting Americans against lung cancer in 2014. Learn other ways to get involved with Turquoise Takeover at LUNGFORCE.org/TurquoiseTakeover.