New Lung Cancer Campaign Launched

NEW YORK—In a recent Cancer Care, Inc. survey, 44% of lung cancer patients said they feel they are treated differently than people with other cancers. Even more medical professionals surveyed (77%) said they believe people with lung care are often stigmatized.

When asked why they felt stigmatized, patients said there is a marked reluctance on the part of celebrities to identify themselves as patients, which has resulted in poor fund-raising efforts and little publicity. Others feel blamed because most lung cancer cases (90%) are smoking related, yet 10% of patients never smoked.

To help decrease this culture of blame, a campaign known as It’s Time to Focus on Lung Cancer has launched a website www.lungcancer.org for patients, loved ones, and health care professionals, as well as a toll-free lung cancer information line at 1-877-646-LUNG (5864).

Actress S. Epatha Merkerson, who plays Lt. Anita Van Buren on NBC’s drama Law & Order, is lending her support to the campaign. Two of Ms. Merkerson’s best friends died of the disease. "We no longer have the right to remain silent about lung cancer," she said.

The campaign is being promoted nationally by Cancer Care, the Oncology Nursing Society, The Wellness Community, and The CHEST Foundation.