On Wednesday, November 28, Governor Terry E. Branstad signed a proclamation designating November 2012 as Lung Cancer Awareness and Education Month in Iowa. Governor Branstad was joined by lung cancer survivors and their families and friends during the ceremony held at the State Capitol in Des Moines. Also present were representatives from the American Lung Association, Mercy Cancer Center in Des Moines, Des Moines University and the American Cancer Society.
"The Governor's Proclamation is recognition of the significant impact of lung cancer in Iowa and the importance of finding ways to reduce the burden of lung cancer for Iowans," said Micki Sandquist, Executive Director of the American Lung Association in Iowa.
Later in the day, the American Lung Association sponsored a free, two-hour workshop, Frankly Speaking about Lung Cancer. The workshop focused on the latest treatments for lung cancer. Dr. Bradley Hiatt, a medical oncologist from Des Moines, and Rose Richman, a lung cancer nurse navigator from Mercy Cancer Center, spoke about the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer, and about side-effects of care and how to effectively manage those side effects. Rose and Dr. Hiatt also shared tools to overcome the social and emotional challenges of lung cancer.
Two lung cancer survivors, Gail Orcutt and Lori Tassin, shared their personal stories of triumph over lung cancer during the event. Lori encouraged the audience with the message that a lung cancer diagnosis may be an opportunity to develop stronger ties to support and spiritual systems while battling cancer.
