Glendale city leaders have issued a proclamation to recognize Lung Cancer Action Week, joining other communities nationwide in the fight against lung cancer. The observance, accompanied by the Turquoise Takeover initiative, aims to raise awareness and support for those affected by the disease. The weeklong recognition this year spans from May 6 to 12.
The initiative encourages a united fight against lung cancer by wearing turquoise attire and sharing selfies on social media platforms, emphasizing the power of storytelling to shed light on the impact of lung cancer.
The program LUNG FORCE brings together individuals and caregivers impacted by lung cancer, advocating for greater awareness, research and support. Through its efforts in education, advocacy and research, LUNG FORCE strives to reduce diagnoses and improve outcomes for those battling the disease. Since its inception in 2014, LUNG FORCE has raised more than $30 million for vital lung cancer research, marking a 286% increase in its research commitment.
In California, while early diagnosis rates are below the national average, surgical cancer treatment surpasses the national rate by a significant margin. However, the effectiveness of screening hinges on broader participation from the high-risk population, which remains low in the state.
“Our city’s dedication to promoting lung health extends beyond this initiative, as demonstrated by Glendale’s Fresh Air Ordinance adopted over a decade ago to limit exposure to secondhand smoke,” said Mayor Elen Asatryan. “By coming together, we can raise awareness and empower individuals to get early screenings with many of the medical community partners in Glendale and beyond.”
To underscore its support, Glendale illuminated City Hall in turquoise on May 7, symbolizing unity in the fight against lung cancer.
The American Lung Association and the city of Glendale advocate seven actionable steps to contribute to the fight against lung cancer:
- Engage in conversations to raise awareness.
- Participate in the American Lung Association’s I Wear Turquoise Campaign starting today through June 30. For more information, contact Frances.Mojica@Lung.org.
- Share personal stories to raise awareness and inspire hope.
- Undergo lung cancer screening if eligible.
- Test homes for radon, a known carcinogen.
- Stay informed about the latest educational resources on lung cancer.
- Donate to the American Lung Association advance efforts towards a world free of lung cancer. Contact Frances.Mojica@Lung.org.
The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy and research. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer, to champion clean air for all, to improve the quality of life for those with lung disease and their families, and to create a tobacco-free future.
For more information about the American Lung Association, which has a four-star rating from Charity Navigator and is a Platinum-Level GuideStar Member, call (800) 586-4872 or visit Lung.org. To support the work of the American Lung Association, find a local event at Lung.org/events.
Donate to the American Lung Association advance efforts towards a world free of lung cancer. Contact Frances.Mojica@Lung.org.
The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy and research. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer, to champion clean air for all, to improve the quality of life for those with lung disease and their families, and to create a tobacco-free future.
For more information about the American Lung Association, which has a four-star rating from Charity Navigator and is a Platinum-Level GuideStar Member, call (800) 586-4872 or visit Lung.org. To support the work of the American Lung Association, find a local event at Lung.org/events.
First published in the May 11 print issue of the Glendale News-Press.
