Lung Association to Ignite Movement in Fight Against #1 Cancer Killer of Women

CHICAGO, IL--(Marketwired - May 13, 2014) - It's a fact: every five minutes, a woman in the U.S. is told she has lung cancer. That's why the American Lung Association in Greater Chicago is proud join forces with Lung Associations across the country, national presenting sponsor, CVS Caremark, and local presenting sponsor, Northwestern Medicine, to launch LUNG FORCE, a national health education movement with a singular mission to unite women to stand together against lung cancer and for lung health.

"Lung cancer is the number one cancer killer of women with one of the lowest five-year survival rates of all cancer types, approximately 16 percent. The rate of new lung cancer cases in women has doubled over the last 35 years," said Meghan Miller, Executive Director of the American Lung Association in Greater Chicago.

"However, despite the startling statistics, most women do not consider lung cancer to be a serious health threat and are not aware of the alarming facts. Lung Force will be the conduit through which we will raise our voices to advance lung health and for innovations in research that will lead to earlier detection and more personalized treatments, so that everyone has a fighting chance," she said.

With the Lung Force launch, the Lung Association celebrates the 1st annual National Women's Lung Health Week, the second full week in May (May 11-17). From now on, this will be a time when we celebrate the power of women's voices to create change and turn the tide against lung cancer. Through national events and media, we will draw the nation's attention to this critical issue and enroll millions in the fight.

The inaugural Chicago LUNG FORCE Kickoff Reception to launch National Women's Lung Health Week and LUNG FORCE will take place at the Swissotel Chicago (323 E. Upper Wacker Drive) tomorrow, Wednesday (May 14) between 7:30 a.m. - 9 a.m. It will be one of several local LUNG FORCE Kickoff Receptions taking place in various towns and cities across the country.

During the event, the Lung Association is also announcing a comprehensive partnership with Northwestern Medicine, now the official local presenter of Lung Force. Among supporting all Lung Force events through the campaign, Northwestern Medicine will also work with the Lung Association on a tobacco control and cessation initiative. More details to follow.

Representatives from the American Lung Association in Greater Chicago and Northwestern Medicine, as well as local LUNG FORCE Heroes (lung cancer patients, caregivers, survivors and healthcare providers) will participate in the LUNG FORCE Chicago Kickoff Reception and will be available for interviews on-site.

The Willis Tower, Wrigley Building, 311 S. Wacker (also known as 'The Crown Building') and other buildings will illuminate their buildings and Chicago's skyline turquoise in celebration of Lung Force and National Women's Lung Health Week (May 11-17).

In addition, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel issued a proclamation in honor of Women's Lung Health Week and the Chicago City Council passed a resolution (led by Aldermen Joe Moreno and JoAnn Thompson) in honor of the special week, as well.

About the American Lung Association in Greater Chicago
Our mission is to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. With your generous support, the American Lung Association is "Fighting for Air" through research, education and advocacy. For more information about the American Lung Association or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872) or visit www.LungIL.org.

To view this release in a media-rich format, go to: http://lung.new-media-release.com/2014-lung-force/index.html