Lung Cancer Alliance Launches New Website "Screen for Lung Cancer.org"

Guidance on What You Need to Know about CT Screening for Lung Cancer and How Early Detection Can Save Your Life  

WASHINGTON, June 28, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, Lung Cancer Alliance (LCA), the only national organization dedicated solely to support services and advocacy for all those living with or at risk for lung cancer, launched a new website, "ScreenforLung Cancer.org", which is intended to help guide decisions about lung cancer screening.  

With emerging information about the benefit of CT-based lung cancer screening, LCA's initiative will ensure responsible information is made readily available to the public.  

"We could not be more pleased to offer this guidance to consumers who want to know if they are at risk for lung cancer, if they should be screened, and where they should go to be screened properly, said Laurie Fenton Ambrose, President & CEO of LCA.  This is a major scientific breakthrough that has extraordinary live-saving potential and it is essential to get responsible information to those individuals who may benefit -- now."

The development of "ScreenforLungCancer.org" stems from the landmark November 2010 decision by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to halt its eight-year National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) because the study proved that screening people at high risk for lung cancer with low-dose computed tomography (CT) scans can save lives.  This conclusion tracks the results of other on-going international research studies which also concluded that CT screening can save lives.  In addition, the first actuarial analysis of lung cancer mortality benefit also estimates that early detection and treatment of lung cancer could save over 70,000 lives a year.

The site provides information on the most commonly asked screening questions which include:  What is screening?  What is my risk?  Who should be screened?  What are the risks involved?  How do I decide and where do I go?    

"Early & accurate detection of lung cancer empowers patients with more, often preferable treatment options," said Deborah Morosini, MD, sister of the late Dana Reeve and LCA Board Member.  "Our community of people at risk for lung cancer has long expressed the need for clear screening guidelines, & this website provides such a resource. The remarkable survival benefits seen with low dose CT screening create an opportunity & an imperative to leverage the public health potential of lung cancer screening--safely, affordably & rationally. Bravo LCA. "

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death, more than breast, prostate, colon and pancreatic cancers – combined. In 2010 over 157,000 people died from lung cancer of which 80% were either former smokers or those who never smoked at all.

Lung Cancer Alliance, www.lungcanceralliance.org, is the only national non-profit dedicated to providing support and advocacy for those living with or at risk for lung cancer.  LCA is committed to reversing decades of stigma and neglect by empowering those with or at risk for lung cancer, elevating awareness and changing health policy.

Follow Lung Cancer Alliance on Facebook: www.facebook.com/lungcanceralliance  

Media Contact:
Kay Cofrancesco
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202-463-2080

SOURCE Lung Cancer Alliance