Number-One Cancer Killer Not What You Think

A national public service campaign, Code Blue for Lung Cancer, says that the nation's number-one cancer killer might not be what you think. Lung cancer is the leading cancer killer in America. Earlier this year, The American Legacy Foundation released a research study stating that two-thirds of women inaccurately believed breast cancer to be the leading cause of cancer death among women.

Code Blue for Lung Cancer is designed to raise awareness of the deadly toll of lung cancer in our country. TV programs and the news focus on a variety of cancers, but often overlook lung cancer, because of the stigma associated with the disease, according to the American Legacy Foundation, a national public health foundation devoted to keeping young people from smoking and helping all smokers quit.

The foundation produced Code Blue as part of a partnership with the National Association of Broadcasters, to raise awareness about preventing lung cancer and increase survival rates for those struggling with it. Code Blue includes a 30-minute documentary that explores the devastating impact of lung cancer on four families and discusses how to reduce lung cancer deaths, primarily through early diagnosis and by quitting smoking. The campaign, in both English and Spanish, also includes radio and television public service announcements, a guidebook for local broadcasters, and an accompanying online component.

"Code Blue for Lung Cancer was created to focus attention on the disease that claims more American lives than any other cancer," said Dr. Cheryl Healton, President & CEO of the American Legacy Foundation. "Since many people think that smokers should know better and expect related health problems when they smoke, as a nation we do not give enough attention to lung cancer treatment and prevention."