Code Blue for Lung Cancer

At the centre of this initiative is a documentary designed to offset stigma generated by the belief that the victim of lung cancer brought the disease on himself or herself by smoking. Although 85% of those diagnosed with lung cancer are current or former smokers - and the campaign's communications stress the importance of quitting - the stories featured in the documentary highlight the intensely addictive nature of the nicotine found in cigarettes. Visitors to the Code Blue website may watch the documentary, as well as access various sources of information about lung cancer, data about men vs. women and smoking, and strategies and resources for those seeking to quit.

The involvement of prominent personnel - namely, former President George H.W. Bush (who lost one of his children to leukemia in 1953) - characterises this effort to educate communities about the detection and prevention of lung cancer. Click here to view this particular PSA, as well as various radio and TV spots - and/or to order a free guidebook which includes information on lung cancer and quitting smoking, plus programming ideas, script PSAs, information on the Code Blue effort, and additional resources from NAB and its partners.

Tobacco, Health.

According to organisers, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Research shows that, while 70% of smokers want to quit, many lack the tools and resources to quit for good.

The American Legacy Foundation develops programmes that address the health effects of tobacco use through grants, technical assistance and training, youth activism, strategic partnerships, counter-marketing and grassroots marketing campaigns, public relations, and outreach to populations disproportionately affected by the toll of tobacco.