CONTACT: Hollye Staley, (859) 323-6363
FOR RELEASE
Lung Cancer Summit Week to Tackle Number One Cancer Killer
UK HealthCare Markey Cancer Center is Presenting Sponsor for Event
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 13, 2006) − Kentucky leads the nation in lung cancer rates and deaths – not a fact to be taken lightly. Through a series of community events, local health groups are joining forces during Lung Cancer Awareness month to increase awareness, educate health care providers and lung cancer patients and their families, and raise money to support lung cancer programs and research.
Despite the progress made against most other cancers, the five-year survival rate for lung cancer is only 15 percent. Lung cancer kills more women than breast, ovarian and cervical cancer combined. Although lung cancer claims more lives than any other cancer, it receives comparatively little research funding.
"Up to 87 percent of all lung cancer is related directly to smoking," said Ann Evans, regional director for the American Lung Association of Kentucky. "We can cut Kentucky’s high lung cancer rate by cutting our youth and adult smoking rates through advocacy and comprehensive tobacco control and prevention efforts," she said.
Lung Cancer Summit Week is being presented by the American Lung Association of Kentucky in partnership with UK HealthCare's Markey Cancer Center Multidisciplinary Lung Program.
The week's events include:
Monday, Nov. 13
Introduction to Stop Smoking Programs
Lexington Public Library, Tates Creek Branch
6 to 7 p.m.
Local experts will discuss stop-smoking techniques and methods and answer questions about how to kick the habit for good. Refreshments will be served. Free and open to the public.
Tuesday, Nov. 14
Community Wellness Workshop – "Frankly Speaking About Lung Cancer”
Crowne Plaza Campbell House
6 to 8 p.m.
Information from doctors, nurses and community resource providers for patients, families and caregivers on current lung cancer symptoms, treatments and side-effects, management strategies and survivorship issues. Free and open to the public.
Wednesday, Nov. 15
Launch of new 12-Step Program Smoking Cessation Support Group
St. Joseph Wellness Center (Beaumont YMCA)
6 p.m.
Free
Thursday, Nov. 16
“Southern Lights Stroll” – Lung Cancer Walk/Run
Kentucky Horse Park
Registration: 6 p.m.; Walk/Run: 7 p.m.
Held in conjunction with the opening of the popular and dazzling Southern Lights display, this 5K “dog friendly” walk/run will benefit lung cancer research, education and advocacy. Features music, food, and educational booths. Registration is $25 in advance or $30 day-of event.
Friday, Nov. 17
"Advances in Tobacco Treatment Practice" Workshop
Presented by UK College of Nursing; for nurses and clinicians (CE credit)
St. Joseph Hospital
7:30 a.m.
For information or to register for any of the events, call (859) 276-4344.
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In striving to become a Top 20 public research institution, the University of Kentucky is a catalyst for a new Commonwealth – a Kentucky that is healthier, better educated, and positioned to compete in a global and changing economy. For more information about UK’s efforts to become a Top 20 university, please go to http://www.uky.edu/OPBPA/Top20.html