Advocates Work To Remove Lung Cancer Stigma, Save Lives

Through May 11, the American Lung Association’s (ALA) annual Lung Cancer Action Week, advocates wear turquoise and illuminate buildings and landmarks across the U.S. using the color to bring awareness and break the stigma around lung cancer.

“The main focus of Lung Cancer Action Week and Turquoise Takeover is that lung cancer is a disease that can affect anyone and no one deserves it,” said the ALA’s Health Promotion Specialist, Laura Williams. “A lot of times, there is a stigma that is attached to lung cancer. Lung cancer patients speak to this a lot, how they felt stigmatized once they received their diagnosis.”

In West Virginia, the ALA is illuminating the Charleston Convention Center Elk River Bridge and the West Virginia Building in Huntington.

While survival rates are improving, early detection and prevention are key, according to Williams.

“That early screening, that early detection, is so important for those who are diagnosed,” Williams said. “We are ranked 39th out of 51 in the nation for lung cancer screening and annual screening with a low-dose CT scan.”

Williams said lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths, not just in West Virginia but in the nation.

According to the CDC, cigarette smoking is the number one risk factor for lung cancer.

According to the ALA, 21% of West Virginia adults are smokers, and 27% of high school students, the highest rate in the nation. Tobacco use is the leading cause of death in the state at more than 4,200 residents a year.

Williams said that for anyone who is considered high risk, like tobacco users, a screening could reduce their chance of lung cancer death by up to 20%.

“Those early detection measures and those early screenings are really important when you’re talking about things that you can do to improve that survival rate,” Williams said.

The ALA estimates that in 2025 alone, 2,050 West Virginia residents will be diagnosed with lung cancer.

“Thanks to advancements in early detection, treatment and research, the five-year survival rate has improved by 44% over the past decade,” said Elizabeth Hensil, director of advocacy of the ALA in West Virginia. “Raising awareness and funds for lung cancer research is more important than ever and we encourage our community to get involved in Turquoise Takeover.”

Williams also encouraged anyone who thinks they may be at risk for lung cancer to seek a lung screening as soon as possible. 

She said to start with an assessment from SavedByTheScan.org, which will help determine what the best next steps are.

“It looks at how many packs a day you smoked for? How many, number of years, and that is used to determine whether you’re considered high risk and when you should become or when you should be screened,” Williams said.

She also recommended calling the ALA’s Lung Helpline at 1-800-LUNGUSA.

“You can submit a question and talk to somebody who is trained,” she said. “A respiratory therapist, if you have questions regarding any type of lung health, not just lung cancer, but any type of lung health questions.”