Lung cancer awareness week kicks off, ‘turquoise’ takes over

DELMARVA – Sunday marks the start of lung cancer awareness week, the deadliest type of cancer in America.

The monster mile statue in Dover and the Maryland statehouse along with other monuments and statues will be illuminated with the color turquoise, honoring those living with lung cancer and those who have lost their lives. This is all part of the American Lung Association’s turquoise takeover week.

The American Lung Association says in 2022 alone, 4,100 Marylanders will be diagnosed, and 910 Delawareans. We’re told lung cancer screening is the key to early diagnosis so people can have a better chance of extending their life expectancy. “It’s important to remember anyone can get lung cancer, so we are educating everyone about the importance of being aware and being educated about lung cancer we encourage people to wear turquoise this week so you can have those conversations about lung cancer,” says Deb Brown, Chief Mission Officer with Am. Lung. Assoc. She adds, “So if people are aware of the certain risk factors that maybe they can certainly protect themselves as much as possible.”

Symptoms of lung cancer can range from a persistent cough, and chest pain, to coughing up blood. If you have those symptoms, it doesn’t mean you have lung cancer, but you should see your doctor.

The ALA also encourages us to wear turquoise on Tuesday, May 10th.