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DHSS Press Release

Dr. Kara Odom Walker, Secretary
Jill Fredel, Director of Communications
302-255-9047, Pager 302-357-7498
Email: Jill.fredel@delaware.gov

DPH Media Contact:
Jennifer Brestel
302-744-4907, Cell 302-612-6223
Email: Jennifer.brestel@delaware.gov

Date: April 11, 2019
DHSS-04-2019

MEDIA ADVISORY: DELAWARE CANCER CONSORTIUM (DCC) ANNUAL RETREAT: FOCUS ON LUNG CANCER PREVENTION; DCC ANNOUNCES NEW SCREENING AWARENESS CAMPAIGN AND UNVEILS 8-FOOT HIGH INFLATABLE LUNGS

WHAT:	Delaware Cancer Consortium (DCC) Retreat. This year's focus is on lung cancer prevention, screening and treatment. Lung cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in Delaware, causing 3,965 cases (14 percent of all newly diagnosed cancer cases) and 2,839 deaths (30 percent of all cancer deaths) in 2010-2014. DHSS Secretary Dr. Kara Odom Walker will announce a new lung cancer screening educational campaign. The campaign, sponsored by the Consortium and DPH's Comprehensive Cancer Control and Prevention Program, promotes low-dose CT scans, the availability of screening sites, and that the screenings are covered by insurance or DPH's Screening for Life program. Low-dose computed tomography (CT) scans can detect cancer early, when it is most treatable, and a national lung cancer screening trial found that low-dose CT scans can reduce the risk of dying by 20 percent. Later, Governor John Carney will sign a proclamation designating April as Lung Cancer Screening Awareness Month to encourage at-risk Delawareans to get a lung cancer screening. Governor Carney will showcase 8-foot-tall inflatable lungs depicting both a healthy lung and a lung after 15 years of cigarette smoking. The inflatable lungs will tour Delaware's three counties and will be displayed at high-traffic events, hospitals and schools. DPH hopes the display will increase awareness about lung cancer prevention, smoking cessation and screenings. At the DCC annual retreat, members gain new insight and information, celebrate accomplishments and plan for the challenges ahead. DCC is a permanent council established to reduce cancer incidence and mortality rates. In addition to educating smokers and former smokers about the low-dose CT scan recommended for lung cancer screening, the DCC's members aim to keep youth and young adults tobacco-free and help people who smoke to quit. For more information, visit: HealthyDelaware.org
WHO:	The Honorable John Carney, Governor The Honorable Bethany Hall-Long, Lieutenant Governor Dr. Kara Odom Walker, Secretary, Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) Dr. Karyl Rattay, Director, Division of Public Health (DPH), DHSS Kathleen Connelly, Chair, Delaware Cancer Consortium (DCC)
WHEN:	Tuesday, April 16, 2019 Governor Carney speaks at 11:15 a.m., showcases the giant lungs and signs the proclamation.
WHERE:	Dover Downs Hotel & Casino - Diamond Room (fourth floor) 1131 N. Dupont Highway Dover, DE 19901 It is best to enter the hotel through the main entrance.
VISUALS:	Dignitaries speaking; Governor Carney signing the proclamation; the 8-foot-high before-and-after smoking inflatable lungs.
QUESTIONS:	302-744-4704

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. DPH, a division of DHSS, urges Delawareans to make healthier choices with the 5-2-1 Almost None campaign: eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables each day, have no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time each day (includes TV, computer, gaming), get 1 or more hours of physical activity each day, and drink almost no sugary beverages.

MEDIA ADVISORY: DELAWARE CANCER CONSORTIUM (DCC) ANNUAL RETREAT: FOCUS ON LUNG CANCER PREVENTION; DCC ANNOUNCES NEW SCREENING AWARENESS CAMPAIGN AND UNVEILS 8-FOOT HIGH INFLATABLE LUNGS

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