Message from the President As We Observe Lung Cancer Awareness Month CT Scans Show Promise In Increasing Survival Rates Dear Colleague, Lung cancer claims more American lives annually than breast, prostate or colon cancers combined. It is fitting that during November — Lung Cancer Awareness Month — a new study in the New England Journal of Medicine was released that shows great promise in the early diagnosis of lung cancer, potentially saving thousands of lives. The study's lead author is Claudia Henschke, M.D. a Professor of Radiology in Cardiothoracic Surgery at the New York Weill Cornell Medical Center. In her research, Henschke found that 85 percent of those diagnosed with lung cancer by CT scans were in the earliest stage of the disease. When diagnosis is followed by prompt surgical removal, the ten-year survival rate for lung cancer patients is 92 percent. This research is of great significance for many of the 100 million current and former smokers in the U.S. who are candidates for screening. The fact that an annual screening is less expensive than an annual pack-a-day cigarette habit is further impetus for this important research to receive broad acceptance over time. The foundation is currently working to raise awareness about lung cancer and encourage empathy for people living with this serious and usually fatal disease. Code Blue for Lung Cancer, a program by the American Legacy Foundation® and National Association of Broadcasters, includes a powerful 30-minute documentary that tells the stories of four American families who have been impacted by tobacco-related lung cancer. Code Blue calls for early lung cancer diagnosis, more help for smokers trying to quit their deadly addictions; and increased research and funding toward a lung cancer cure. For more information on the Henschke study, patients may call (866) NYP-NEWS. For information on Code Blue, visit www.americanlegacy.org/codeblue. Sincerely, Cheryl G. Healton, Dr. P.H. President & CEO American Legacy Foundation