Lung Association program will target high-risk
Illinoisans
CHICAGO, Nov. 1, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, and
the American Lung Association (Lung Association) is kicking it off
by offering free lung cancer screenings to Illinois residents. Every two and a half
minutes, someone learns they have lung cancer in the U.S., while
another eight million qualify as high-risk. Early detection is key
because lung cancer can be treated with, and may even be cured, if
found and treated in its early stages before it spreads to other
parts of the body.
"Lung cancer accounts for more than 20% of cancer deaths making
it the #1 cause of cancer deaths for both women and men in
the United States," said
Mikayla Pittman, Manager, Nationwide
Health Promotions for the Lung Association. "Many people don't know
they're at risk and getting screened can save thousands of lives by
improving treatment outcomes."
Individuals in the following counties, especially Black men and
women and white men, are facing higher rates of lung cancer than
those in neighboring counties, and are encouraged to participate in
the program, which runs through the end of June:
- Cook County & Collar Counties
- Kankakee, Macon, Madison, Peoria, Rock
Island, Sangamon,
St. Clair, Vermilion counties
- Southern counties of Massac,
Franklin, and Johnson
Under the program, participants can call a Lung Health Navigator
at 844-ALA-LUNG to find out if they are eligible for a lung cancer
screening. If they are eligible, the Lung Association will support
callers by providing information on nearby screening centers along
with guidance on how to obtain a referral from their doctor.
Assistance in understanding insurance coverage is also
available.
A Navigator will be able to assist with financial barriers to
care by covering the outstanding balance of the lung cancer
screening in addition to arranging a free ride to the screening
location, if necessary.
The scans are covered by most insurance plans. However, if
participants don't have insurance, then the Lung Association will
cover the screening costs. Participants can find more information
at Lung.org/lcs-assistance.
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker's office has issued a proclamation
declaring November 2024 as Lung
Cancer Awareness Month in Illinois
in support of raising awareness of lung cancer and lung cancer
screenings. Saturday November 9 is
National Lung Cancer Screening Day when numerous screening
facilities in Illinois will open
their doors to serve those who cannot take time off from work.
If you'd like to speak to a Lung Association rep about the Lung
Screening program, contact Janye
Killelea at Janye.Killelea@Lung.org or (312) 940-7624.
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
education, advocacy, and research. The work of the American Lung
Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat
lung cancer; to champion clean air for all; to improve the quality
of life for those with lung disease and their families; and to
create a tobacco-free future. For more information about the
American Lung Association, which has a 4-star rating from Charity
Navigator and is a Platinum-Level GuideStar Member, or to support
the work it does, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or
visit: Lung.org.
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SOURCE American Lung Association