This week is Lung Cancer Action Week.

The American Lung Association said that wearing turquoise to raise awareness of those impacted by the disease is what they recommend to help raise awareness.

“In 2025 alone, it is estimated that 2,490 Iowa residents will be diagnosed with lung cancer this year. But there is hope,” said Alicia Gerke, MD, Pulmonologist and local leadership board chair with the American Lung Association.

“Thanks to advancements in early detection, treatment and research, the five-year survival rate has improved by 44% over the past decade. Raising awareness and funds for lung cancer research is more important than ever and we encourage our community to get involved in Turquoise Takeover.”

According to the ALA, lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths, with someone diagnosed approximately every two minutes in the U.S. Thankfully, survival rates have significantly increased, aided by improved early detection through screening and more than 65 new FDA-approved treatments since 2016.

One of the actions that is encouraged is to get screened for lung cancer if you are eligible and testing your home for radon.

Exposure to high levels of radon in a home can cause lung cancer. Testing for radon is easy and inexpensive, with test kits available for short term and long-term testing. Short term testing takes three to seven days to complete, while long term testing is conducted over a period of three months to a full year.

If you detect high levels of radon with a short-term test, it’s advised to do a long term test to know the average levels. Both tests require placing the kit in the lowest livable area in a home.

According to the ALA, lung cancer can go undiagnosed for a long time because symptoms usually do not appear until the cancer has spread.

If you are over the age of 50 and currently smoke, or have quit within the last 15 years, you may be at high risk and be eligible for lung cancer screening.

If you meet the following criteria, you are considered to be at “high risk” for developing lung cancer and screening is recom- mended:

• 50-80 years of age

• Have a 20 pack-year history of smoking (this means 1 pack a
day for 20 years, 2 packs a day for 10 years, etc.)

• AND, currently smoke, or have quit within the last 15 years