Providence Residents Join LUNG FORCE Walk to Fight Lung Cancer

On Saturday, June 15, 2019, the American Lung Association in Rhode Island drew out over 300 people and raised over $50,000 at Roger Williams Park – Temple to Music. The 5k walk honored local LUNG FORCE Heroes, survivors, advocates and families. Lung cancer is the leading cancer killer of women and men in America, and the American Lung Association’s LUNG FORCE initiative seeks to make lung cancer a public health priority, drive policy change and increase research funding.

“Although lung cancer is the leading cancer killer of women and men in the United States, few are aware of the widespread impact of the disease in our community," said Karen Whitefield, Executive Director of the American Lung Association in Rhode Island. “The reality is that anyone can get lung cancer. We invite everyone in Rhode Island to join us and rally with friends, neighbors and colleagues as we unite against lung cancer and for patients everywhere.”

According to the Lung Association's 4thannual Lung Health Barometer, awareness about the impact of lung cancer in women is extremely low. Even though lung cancer has long been the #1 cancer killer of women, lung cancer is not a top-of-mind health concern for 97 percent of women. Every day, more than 400 friends, neighbors, and loved ones lose their lives to lung cancer, with a new diagnosis occurring every two and a half minutes.

Pawtucket resident and LUNG FORCE participant Kelsey Ahmed said, “With a team like ours you are supporting a fighter, a survivor, and remembering those we have lost. LUNG FORCE brings a community of all types of families to support one another that believe in the same thing. Trying to help find a cure for those in need.” Ahmed walked with Team Martha Matters

In Rhode Island approximately 940 women and men are diagnosed with lung cancer each year, and on average, only 46.7 percent of women with lung cancer will be alive one year after diagnosis. With one of the lowest survival rates compared to other major cancers, early detection and treatment is key to saving lives. However, screening is currently underutilized, as estimates indicate that less than 5 percent of high-risk Americans have been screened for lung cancer. LUNG FORCE educates and empowers patients and healthcare providers, and raises critical funds for research into better early detection methods and precision treatments for lung cancer.

Over the past five years the LUNG FORCE campaign has funded $12.5 million in lung cancer research, and $5 million in increasing public health awareness around the prevention of lung disease. In addition, LUNG FORCE has helped secure a 69% increase in National Institutes of Health lung cancer research funding, which has led to an unprecedented 22 (and counting!) new FDA approved treatments for lung cancer patients since 2016.

The American Lung Association offers several resources for individuals and families that have been impacted by lung cancer. Anyone seeking help can visit LUNGFORCE.org or call the Lung Association’s toll-free Lung HelpLine at 1-800-LUNGUSA for information, resources and support services. Visit Lung.org/lung-cancer for comprehensive education and support developed specifically for lung cancer patients and caregivers

The National Presenting Sponsor for LUNG FORCE is CVS Health. The event was supported by local sponsors: Rhode Island Medical Imaging, MetLife Auto & Home, Neighborhood Health Plan of RI, Elmhurst Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center, B101, iHeart Radio & WJAR NBC 10.

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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 LungAssociation, 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 new national movement 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.