American Lung Association Marks Lung Cancer Action Week With Turquoise Takeover

The American Lung Association is “turning the nation turquoise” for Lung Cancer Action Week and the LUNG FORCE Turquoise Takeover, according to an announcement from the organization.

The annual observance of Lung Cancer Action Week and the Turquoise Takeover “unites communities across the country to raise awareness about lung cancer, honor those impacted and inspire action to save lives,” officials said in the announcement.

The LUNG FORCE Turquoise Takeover during Lung Cancer Action Week involves lighting up buildings and landmarks across the nation, encouraging people to wear turquoise and share their support on social media, and amplifying the voices of people who are affected by lung cancer.

“We are making incredible strides in lung cancer awareness and research, but there is still much work to do,” American Lung Association President and CEO Harold Wimmer said in a statement. “Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S., with someone diagnosed every two minutes. Yet, thanks to advancements in early detection and treatment, the five-year survival rate has improved by 44% over the past decade and more than 65 new therapies have been approved since 2016. Turquoise Takeover is a powerful reminder that we must continue to stand together, support those impacted and push for even greater progress.”

Lung Cancer Action Week: A Time to Raise Awareness About Lung Cancer Risks, Screening

American Lung Association officials emphasized that “early detection of lung cancer saves lives,” and that its Saved By The Scan campaign can help individuals determine their risk for lung cancer. For example, the Saved By The Scan website features a lung cancer risk assessment quiz that has helped more than 1.4 million people determine if they are at a high risk for lung cancer.

Michael R. Gieske, MD, Director of Lung Cancer Screening at St. Elizabeth Healthcare, told Lung Cancers Today why it’s critical to ensure that eligible patients engage in annual lung cancer screening, emphasizing this allows clinicians to “catch it early when you can make a difference.”

“We’re changing the narrative on lung cancer by going after it and catching it in the earlier stages,” he explained in an interview. “Lung cancer historically has had a very high mortality rate, and it still does…If you catch it early and you move it from stage IV—which is late-stage lung cancer—to stage I lung cancer, you can have a greater than 90% chance of curing that cancer.”

Dr. Gieske also spoke about the importance of educating healthcare professionals about the criteria for lung cancer screening, which is recommended for people who have a 20 pack-year or more smoking history, smoke now or have quit within the past 15 years, and are between 50 and 80 years old.

“You can’t overemphasize communication and education,” he said. “The general public, providers, healthcare associates, managers, and medical assistants—we all need to learn about lung cancer screening and what the criteria are, so when you see a patient that qualifies for lung cancer screening, a lightbulb goes off in your head.”

How to Participate in Lung Cancer Action Week and the Turquoise Takeover

The American Lung Association explained that organizations and individuals can participate in Turquoise Takeover and Lung Cancer Action Week in multiple ways, including:

• Joining a local LUNG FORCE Walk or creating a fundraiser that benefits those affected by lung cancer and supports lung cancer research
• Getting screened for lung cancer, if eligible
• Testing homes for radon
• Learning about the latest information on lung cancer
• Donating to “help achieve a world free of lung cancer”

Find a local event at www.Lung.org/events.

About the American Lung Association’s LUNG FORCE

The mission of the American Lung Association’s LUNG FORCE is to leverage education, advocacy and research to “reduce lung cancer diagnoses and improve outcomes for those living with the disease,” they explained. The organization, which launched in 2014 to unite people affected by lung cancer and their caregivers, has raised more than $32 million for lung cancer research and has expanded its research commitment by more than 140%.

“By raising awareness and funding critical research, LUNG FORCE is helping to save more lives and move closer to a world without lung cancer,” officials said in the release.

For more details on how to get involved with LUNG FORCE, visit www.LUNGFORCE.org. For more information about the American Lung Association call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit www.lung.org.

Source:

American Lung Association. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/american-lung-associations-turquoise-takeover-shines-a-light-on-lung-cancer-302446626.html. Accessed May 7, 2025.

In the photo at top, Niagara Falls is illuminated turquoise for Lung Cancer Action Week. (Photo courtesy of the American Lung Association)