It all began last month; women opened a brave new front in the war on lung disease. Christened, “Lung Force,” a powerful new movement has been launched.

Although most causes adapted by women’s organizations are often associated with the color pink, Lung Force has bravely dared to be different. They have claimed the color “turquoise blue” for their cause.

According to the Lung Association’s first Women’s Lung Health Barometer…”women’s awareness of lung cancer’s impact is terribly low.”
They added, “Despite being the #1 cancer killer of women, the Barometer revealed that only 1 percent of women named lung cancer as a cancer that is top-of-mind for them.”

This week, the Florida Lung, Asthma and Sleep Specialists honor this new fight against lung cancer. Let’s look at some of the basic facts behind the battle-lines of the women’s war on lung cancer:

1. Cruel Numbers: 108,000 women in the U.S. will receive a diagnosis of lung cancer this year.

2. Vicious Statistics: Less than half of the women, who are diagnosed, will be counted among the living in 2015.

3. The Paradox: With this in mind, it is amazing that a study by the American Lung Association revealed that “78 percent of women are not aware that lung cancer has killed more women than breast cancer since 1987.”

4. The Misconception: You do not have to be a smoker to get lung cancer. The latest statistics show that “two-thirds of lung cancer cases are in those who have never smoked or have successfully quit smoking.”

Discoveries of facts such as the above, demonstrate a blinding lack of public awareness concerning women and lung cancer. Lung Force intends to fill the learning gap. Their mission will be to unify women in the battle against lung health and to encourage change through education, advocacy, research and legislation.

The singer, Jewel, has dedicated her song, “Sing On” to the fight against lung cancer in women.

“As a singer, Jewel relies on her lungs every day to breathe, speak, laugh and sing. That’s why she’s made it her mission to ensure that all women realize that lung cancer can happen to anyone.”

Other entertainers have been quick to come forward in support of this new movement. They have shared their stories of loss.

Valerie Harper and country music star Kellie Pickler, have joined the ranks. Harper battled lung cancer while Pickler lost her grandmother to lung cancer just one day after she was diagnosed.”

In Orlando, the Florida Lung, Asthma And Sleep Specialists encourage women who are committed to making lung health a new national priority.
They applaud the American Lung Association and Lung Force for making the public aware of the high lung cancer risk among women.

You do not have to be gifted, talented or rich to join the fight. Just visit their website. Perhaps you can join a local group of walkers wearing turquoise tee-shirts, read the Women’s Lung Health Barometer, and take the pledge. Be a part of something very special at Lung Force.org.


From The Lung Force:   The Pledge

HELP SAVE WOMEN’S LIVES

We are the LUNG FORCE of the American Lung Association. 

We stand together against lung cancer and for lung health.

We raise awareness of the risks—and raise our voices for change. We fight for innovations in research, earlier detection and better treatments. We save women’s lives.

I pledge to join the LUNG FORCE and raise my voice to fight lung cancer.

Mothers, sisters, aunts, daughters, dear Friends and wives have all succumbed to lung cancer. Few families will go untouched by this disease with the years to come. When you see the color Turquoise, think of it as your silent battle cry for this worthy cause. It is the color of a sea full of tears, but a sky full of hope.

The Florida Lung, Asthma, And Sleep Specialists thank you for reading this blog. A Special Reminder:  We  invite you to mark your calendars now for the upcoming celebration of Father’s Day!