Calls on Advocates to Host Candlelight Vigils to Raise Awareness on November 5th

WASHINGTON, Oct. 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, Lung Cancer Alliance (LCA) announced the launch of the Shine a Light National Lung Cancer Vigil, a campaign designed to raise awareness of lung cancer during November, Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Building on the success of vigils held across the country over the past three years, LCA is encouraging an even greater number of volunteers to host a vigil in their community.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081016/LCALOGO)

"Shine a Light National Lung Cancer Vigil is a very special way to bring families, friends and loved ones together to show compassion and support for the entire lung cancer community," said Laurie Fenton-Ambrose, LCA President & CEO. "These events will honor loved ones lost to lung cancer, increase disease awareness, and further grassroots efforts to secure a more comprehensive plan for lung cancer research funding."

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death both nationally and in all fifty states -- taking the lives of more people than breast, prostate and colon cancers -- combined. Despite these statistics, lung cancer receives a fraction of the amount of the overall federal research dollars. The five year survival rate for breast cancer now stands at 88 percent, prostate cancer 99 percent and colon cancer 65 percent while lung cancer remains at 15 percent.

Over 25 vigils are scheduled to take place this November in more than 15 states. For more information on how to host a Shine a Light National Lung Cancer Vigil, go to www.shinealightonlungcancer.org.

Lung Cancer Alliance (www.lungcanceralliance.org) is the only national non-profit organization dedicated solely to patient support and advocacy for those living with or at risk for lung cancer. LCA is committed to leading the movement to reverse decades of stigma and neglect by empowering those with or at risk for the disease, elevating awareness and changing health policy.

    CONTACT: Kay Cofrancesco
    kay@lungcanceralliance.org
    202-463-2080

SOURCE Lung Cancer Alliance

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http://www.lungcanceralliance.org