New Research from American Lung Association's LUNG FORCE Finds Lung Cancer Awareness Remains Critically Low, Despite Being #1 Cancer Killer

CHICAGO, Oct. 25, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- To kick off Lung Cancer Awareness Month this November, the American Lung Association's LUNG FORCE initiative, nationally presented by CVS Health, today released the findings from its 3^rd annual Women's Lung Health Barometer. The Barometer revealed that despite being the #1 cancer killer of women, lung cancer awareness remains critically low – in fact, 98 percent of women don't even have lung cancer on their radar. Awareness is critical because if lung cancer is caught before it spreads, the likelihood of survival more than triples. In an effort to save lives, LUNG FORCE continues to urge Americans to get involved in the fight against lung cancer.

New research shows the need for continued education

The 3^rd annual Women's Lung Health Barometer, conducted with LUNG FORCE's signature education sponsor Medtronic, surveyed more than 1,000 women to better understand what women know about lung cancer. The survey revealed:

• Less than half of women considered at high risk for the disease have spoken to their doctor about lung cancer, despite it being such a deadly disease.
• Three out of five women incorrectly believe, or are not sure, that lung cancer has a similar survival rate to other cancers, when in fact lung cancer survival rates are about five times lower than other major cancers.
• Once educated about the facts, four out of five women say they are likely to seek out more information, tell their friends and speak with their doctor about the disease.

These findings demonstrate the need for stronger awareness efforts. To address this, LUNG FORCE is launching a story drive in partnership with Cancer Treatment Centers of America^® (CTCA) in honor of Lung Cancer Awareness Month to demonstrate the devastating impact of lung cancer.

Women and men are urged to go to LUNGFORCE.org to share their personal stories about how the #1 cancer killer of women—lung cancer—has impacted their lives. LUNG FORCE and CTCA^® are partnering to make significant strides in the fight against lung cancer by providing a platform to capture unique experiences and amplify our most powerful tool – our voices. This collection of stories will illustrate the impact of lung cancer, giving all those affected by it the power and courage to ignite change.

"The five-year survival rate for lung cancer is among the lowest of all types of cancer – killing more than 400 people per day. That's enough people to fill a jumbo jet," said Harold P. Wimmer, National President and CEO of the American Lung Association. "Lung cancer has been in the shadows for far too long. We are all responsible for raising awareness and educating one another about the devastation of this disease. Our collective voices are making a difference. Women have become 35 percent more likely to speak to their doctors about lung cancer over the last year, but that's still not enough. During Lung Cancer Awareness Month, we are asking everyone to share their voice in the fight against lung cancer to inspire even greater change."

To save the lives of the nearly quarter of a million Americans that will be diagnosed with lung cancer this year, more early detection methods and personalized treatment options are needed. Because if lung cancer is caught before it spreads, the likelihood of survival more than triples. If Americans are aware of the facts, we can change this devastating reality.

"I still vividly remember the day my mom received her lung cancer diagnosis," said Katie Knapp, a LUNG FORCE advocate who is caring for her mother as she battles lung cancer. "My mom has always been the rock of our family, keeping us together through hard times. Her treatments haven't changed her tenacity for life – she refuses to let this disease define her life. Meeting people who have survived lung cancer and seeing others join together in the fight to raise awareness gives us hope."

Learn more about lung cancer and its risk factors and #ShareYourVoice about why early detection is important to you. By doing so, you are not only raising awareness about lung cancer, you are providing support and inspiring others to be courageous. To share your story and show your support, visit LUNGFORCE.org and use #ShareYourVoice on social media, including LUNG FORCE's Facebook page and Twitter handle.

About the American Lung Association
The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease, through research, education and advocacy. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to improve the air we breathe; to reduce the burden of lung disease on individuals and their families; and to eliminate tobacco use and tobacco-related diseases. For more information about the American Lung Association, a holder of the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Guide Seal, or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org.

About LUNG FORCE
LUNG FORCE is a national initiative led by the American Lung Association to unite women against lung cancer, the #1 cancer killer of women. LUNG FORCE has three priorities: 1) Make lung cancer a cause that people care about – and act on; 2) Educate and empower patients and healthcare providers and 3) Raise critical funds for lung cancer research. The American Lung Association's LUNG FORCE is nationally presented by CVS Health. Find out more at LUNGFORCE.org.

About The 2016 National Women's Lung Health Barometer
The 2016 Women's Lung Health Barometer was fielded online by Edelman Intelligence from August 25 – September 1 and included 1,025 women in the U.S., ages 18+. The data was weighted to be nationally representative on age, region and race/ethnicity. The margin of error is ±3.1%. Edelman Intelligence is a global, full-service market research firm that provides corporate, non-profit and government clients with strategic intelligence to make their communications and engagements with stakeholders the smartest they can be. The firm specializes in qualitative and quantitative research, measurement, tracking and analysis in reputation, branding and communications. Edelman Intelligence is part of Edelman, the world's largest public relations company. For more information, please visit http://www.edelmanintelligence.com.

About Medtronic
Medtronic plc (www.medtronic.com), headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, is among the world's largest medical technology, services and solutions companies - alleviating pain, restoring health and extending life for millions of people around the world. Medtronic employs more than 88,000 people worldwide, serving physicians, hospitals and patients in approximately 160 countries. The company is focused on collaborating with stakeholders around the world to take healthcare Further, Together.

About Cancer Treatment Centers of America^® 
Cancer Treatment Centers of America Global, Inc. (CTCA), headquartered in Boca Raton, Fla., is a national network of five hospitals that serves adult patients who are fighting cancer. CTCA^® offers an integrative approach to care that combines advancements in genomic testing and precision cancer treatment, surgery, radiation, immunotherapy and chemotherapy, with evidence-informed supportive therapies designed to help patients physically and emotionally by enhancing their quality of life while managing side effects both during and after treatment. CTCA serves patients from around the world at its hospitals in Atlanta, Chicago, Philadelphia, Phoenix and Tulsa. Consistently rated among U.S. hospitals that deliver the highest quality of care and patient experience, CTCA provides patients and their families with comprehensive information about their treatment options and encourages their active participation in treatment decisions. For more information, visit cancercenter.com, Facebook.com/cancercenter and Twitter.com/cancercenter.

Media Contacts: 
Allison MacMunn
American Lung Association
312-801-7628
[email protected]

Rachel Stevens
Edelman
212-819-4882
[email protected]  

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161021/431431

SOURCE American Lung Association

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