Jax Residents Join LUNG FORCE Walk to Support Lung Cancer

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (August 20, 2018) – On Saturday, August 25 the American Lung Association in Florida will host its annual LUNG FORCE Walk to support lung cancer patients. Lung cancer is the leading cancer killer of women and men in America, and the American Lung Association’s LUNG FORCE initiative seeks to make lung cancer a public health priority, drive policy change and increase research funding.

The race is scheduled to start at 8 a.m. at Jacksonville Landing (2 W Independent Drive Jacksonville, FL 32202). An awards ceremony will follow concluding the race including age group awards, best dressed/most spirited, top individual and team fundraisers and largest team. Individuals interested in participating or registering a team for the event can CLICK HERE.

“Although lung cancer is the leading cancer killer of women and men in the United States, few are aware of the widespread impact of the disease in our community. said Karen Hughes, Executive Director of the American Lung Association. “The reality is that anyone can get lung cancer. We invite everyone in Jacksonville to join us and rally with friends, neighbors and colleagues as we unite against lung cancer and for patients everywhere.”

According to the Lung Association's 4th annual Lung Health Barometer, awareness about the impact of lung cancer in women is extremely low. Even though lung cancer has long been the #1 cancer killer of women, lung cancer is not a top-of-mind health concern for 97 percent of women. Every day, more than 400 friends, neighbors, and loved ones lose their lives to lung cancer, with a new diagnosis occurring every two and a half minutes.

“I am proud to support LUNG FORCE as the chair,” said Amy Ruth, Senior Vice President, Human Services Group and Chief Human Resource Officer for Florida Blue. “As a lifelong sufferer of asthma, I have lived the struggle to catch my breath too many times. It is vital that we support LUNG FORCE so that we continue to educate our community about lung health.”

In Florida, approximately 18,710 women and men are diagnosed with lung cancer each year, and on average, only 46.7 percent of women with lung cancer will be alive one year after diagnosis. With one of the lowest survival rates compared to other major cancers, early detection and treatment is key to saving lives. However, screening is currently underutilized, as estimates indicate that less than 5 percent of high-risk Americans have been screened for lung cancer. LUNG FORCE educates and empowers patients and healthcare providers, and raises critical funds for research into better early detection methods and precision treatments for lung cancer.

The American Lung Association offers several resources for individuals and families that have been impacted by lung cancer. Anyone seeking help can visit LUNGFORCE.org or call the Lung Association’s toll-free Lung HelpLine at 1-800-LUNGUSA for information, resources and support services. Visit Lung.org/lung-cancer for comprehensive education and support developed specifically for lung cancer patients and caregivers.

The 2018 Jacksonville LUNG FORCE Run/Walk is presented by Florida Blue and sponsored by Mayo Clinic, Baptist Health, Alive Credit Union and 21st Century Oncology.

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About the American Lung Association

The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease, through research, education and advocacy. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to improve the air we breathe; to reduce the burden of lung disease on individuals and their families; and to eliminate tobacco use and tobacco-related diseases. For more information about the American Lung Association, a holder of the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Guide Seal, or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org.