Washington, DC … November 1, 2010 — The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), the largest U.S. organization serving as the voice of asbestos victims, today announced its support of November as National Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Lung cancer is one of the leading respiratory diseases caused by asbestos exposure, surpassing even mesothelioma – a well known asbestos-caused cancer. Based on the estimated annual rate of mesothelioma deaths at 2,500 cases per year from NIOSH World Respiratory Disease Surveillance, ADAO estimates more than 5,000 American die from asbestos-caused lung cancer. Most scientific estimates suggest two lung cancers for every one mesothelioma death.
ADAO encourages participation in the National Shine a Light on Lung Cancer Vigil hosted by The Lung Cancer Alliance, to be held Thursday, November 4. Participants will share stories of survivorship and honor loved ones as they illuminate glow sticks in a united vigil. Interested parties can sign up via the Lung Cancer Alliance (LCA) Vigil website at www.lungcanceralliance.org.
“Voting is important but November marks another critical month for our nation,” according to Linda Reinstein, CEO and Co-founder of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization. “With exposure to asbestos comes many forms of often incurable disease, including lung cancer. Statistics show one in five women and one in twelve men diagnosed with lung cancer have never smoked. ADAO looks forward to joining the lung cancer advocacy communities during this important month of education and advocacy. We applaud the Lung Cancer Alliance for bringing this issue to the forefront by sponsoring their vigil, giving individuals the chance to share in specialized tributes to loved ones, while also raising important awareness about lung health.”
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About Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization
Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) was founded by asbestos victims and their families in 2004. ADAO seeks to give asbestos victims and concerned citizens a united voice to raise public awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure. ADAO is the largest independent organization dedicated to preventing asbestos-related diseases through education and legislation. ADAO’s mission includes supporting global advocacy and advancing asbestos awareness, prevention, early detection, treatment, and resources for asbestos-related disease. For more information visit www.asbestosdiseaseawareness.org.
Media Contact:
Doug Larkin
Director of Communications
Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO)
Phone: (202) 391-1546
doug@asbestosdiseaseawareness.org
