LCA survey sheds more light on why support for lung cancer people remains low

Health Marketers to Receive Education and Help Correct Misperceptions Highlighted by Study During Unique Event

A national survey announced today by Lung Cancer Alliance (LCA), sheds more light on why support for people affected by lung cancer remains low.  The poll indicates Americans are more likely to view lung cancer as "hopeless" and "untreatable" when compared with a diagnosis of breast or colon cancer.  In addition, 26% of Americans believe lung cancer is largely "self-inflicted."

"Many believe that those impacted by lung cancer brought the disease on themselves.  This is simply not true," said Laurie Fenton Ambrose, LCA President & CEO.  "Over 77% of those diagnosed today either quit smoking decades ago or never smoked at all.  The fact remains that regardless of smoking history, no one deserves lung cancer."

This survey was conducted to provide guidance to health marketers participating in a unique online and live learning experience, unNiched 2010.  During unNiched 2010, participants will learn powerful collaboration and strategic marketing skills.  In addition, attendees will apply their knowledge during an event-wide idea competition designed to help LCA correct misperceptions about lung cancer and encourage people to become involved in the movement to increase compassion and support for the disease.

"We believe unNiched 2010 will help us accelerate our ongoing efforts to combat the pervasive stigma and misinformation surrounding lung cancer," continued Fenton Ambrose.  "We are confident participants will come up with creative and exciting concepts intended to enhance the work that LCA is already doing to alleviate stigma and further activate the lung cancer community."  

The full results of this survey will be unveiled in November during the live portion of unNiched 2010.