Erasing the Stigma of Lung Cancer

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http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show ... 9712.shtml

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-- On The Path Productions LLC, a San Francisco health media company, is spreading the word about lung cancer research and its need for funding. In conjunction with the Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation, On the Path (OPP) has produced and aired the national Life Love & Health: Special Edition program, examining the stigma associated with this so-called "smokers' disease" and how it may be hindering a search for the cure.

"Lung cancer is the most prevalent cause of death among cancer patients in the US," said Christopher Springmann, executive producer of OPP. "And it's not widely understood that an increasing number of non-smokers suffer from this disease. In fact, 60 percent of lung cancers are now diagnosed in people who haven't smoked in years or never even started. But the stigma as a self-inflicted disease has limited the available funds for research, and in this recession, as everybody's funding sources are challenged, the need for contributions is greater than ever."

To help shift public perception, Springmann interviewed Bonnie Addario, former financial industry executive and President of the Lung Cancer Foundation that bears her name; and Dr. David Jablons, the University of California San Francisco thoracic surgeon and co-founder of her organization. Together they discussed Addario's early misdiagnosis, her intuitive search for lung cancer treatment, and her life as a highly vocal Stage IIIb survivor of the disease.

"I was just outraged about the lung cancer statistics," said Addario. "Nineteen people die per hour and 1.3 million die every year in the world. I couldn't believe all these things were happening and that lung cancer research was under-funded, under-researched and diagnosed, more often than not, too late."

Addario and Jablons have already appeared in one of OPP's regular features, the hour-long weekly show Life Love & Health: Special Edition, webcast on Friday, January 30 and currently posted on the Foundation's website. Both speakers will also be featured on the daily radio show Life Love & Health during the month of March.

Producing this show was a positive experience for everyone involved, according to Sheila Von Driska, the Lung Cancer Foundation's Executive Director and Secretary.

"If I didn't know Christopher Springmann was a journalist and producer, I might think he was a messaging or life coach," Von Driska said. "It is a desire of everyone to get on air, but quite a different reality to have the essence of your message translated succinctly and with passion and 110% accuracy. Mr. Springmann clearly does his homework, above and beyond most in his field."

Life Love & Health, America's most listened-to daily 90-second health, prevention and wellness program, reaches over 6.4 million listeners on CNN, Fox and ESPN; both satellite networks and multiple Public Radio affiliates; in-store radio in 4100+ retail locations; airline in-flight radio; online at HealthRadio.net; plus the Voice of America and American Forces Network.

About On the Path Productions

On the Path Productions LLC (OPP), founded by radio personality and motivational speaker Christopher Springmann, produces popular radio broadcasts including Life, Love & Health and Body Language as well as custom webcasts and house-branded newsmagazines, focused on health and lifestyle issues. Sponsored and underwritten by leading brands, trade associations, foundations and healthcare organizations, OPP's 800+ radio shows have reached millions of consumers, opinion leaders, policy makers and healthcare influencers via satellite radio, public radio affiliates and major retail in-store radio; New Media distribution including HealthRadio.net; plus the Voice of America and American Forces Network. For more information about On the Path Productions, visit www.onthepathproductions.com.

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(The Earth Times, Press Release, San Francisco, CA, February 2, 2009)

Disclaimer:

The information contained in these articles may or may not be in agreement with my own opinions. They are not being posted with the intention of being medical advice of any kind.