#United States #New York #CDC #Lung Cancer #NFL Alumni

Tackling Lung Cancer: NFL Stars Unite with CDC

In an unprecedented initiative, the National Football League Alumni Association (NFL Alumni) has joined forces with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to launch 'GEAR UP Against Cancer', a campaign designed to heighten awareness around lung cancer and emphasize the need for early detection.

This comprehensive outreach program will focus on urban populations in Dallas, Kansas City, New York/Northern New Jersey, and Pittsburgh. As lung cancer continues to be a critical public health issue, the aim of this campaign is not only to educate but also to inspire action regarding screenings and prevention strategies, particularly for those at high risk.

The Reality of Lung Cancer

According to the CDC, lung cancer ranks as the third most prevalent cancer in the United States, tragically resulting in more cancer-related fatalities than any other type. In 2023 alone, lung cancer claimed the lives of approximately 131,584 Americans.

The CDC emphasizes that regular screenings are crucial for adults who are at higher risk of developing the disease, as these screenings can catch early signs such as small nodules or masses in the lungs—indicators that could lead to earlier interventions.

Brad Edwards, the CEO of NFL Alumni and a former All-Pro safety, passionately stated, "Far too many people in our country are affected by lung cancer. Through 'GEAR UP Against Cancer', we're working to change that by raising awareness about the actions each of us can take to support prevention and early detection."

Engaging Former NFL Players in the Fight Against Cancer

The campaign will include an array of former NFL players as ambassadors who will play pivotal roles in outreach and education. This star-studded roster features notable names such as Charles Haley and Darren Woodson in Dallas, Jamaal Charles and Deron Cherry in Kansas City, Antonio Cromartie and Roman Oben in New York/Northern New Jersey, along with Charlie Batch and Jerome Bettis in Pittsburgh. Each of these athletes is committed to sharing their experiences and leveraging their influence to highlight the importance of health awareness and preventative measures.

Roman Oben remarked, "As former professional athletes, we learned early that preparation saves you when the pressure is highest. Taking care of your health is no different—you need a game plan. Understanding your risks, knowing when to get screened, and taking action before symptoms appear can be lifesaving."

Addressing Unique Needs of Cancer Survivors

The 'GEAR UP Against Cancer' initiative goes beyond just raising awareness about lung cancer; it also aims to better understand the needs of cancer survivors. By organizing listening sessions and discussions, the campaign seeks to gather insights from survivors, providing them with the support required to lead healthy lives.

CAPT Djenaba Joseph, Acting Director of CDC's Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, noted, "Just as important, we want to better understand the experiences of survivors and ensure they have the support they need to remain healthy. Listening, learning, and taking action together is how we'll get there."

A Call to Action

The campaign will also utilize media interviews, public service announcements, and extensive social media outreach to disseminate critical information on lung cancer prevention and early detection.

Rod Woodson, former cornerback and Hall of Famer for the Pittsburgh Steelers, declared, "Cancer isn't something you can ignore. Screenings are simple, and catching lung cancer early can change your life. We're here to remind men in our communities that taking care of yourself and your health is one of the strongest decisions you can make."

In past efforts, NFL Alumni has successfully engaged over 360 retired players across states, culminating in more than 500 events aimed at promoting health and wellbeing—materially impacting the lives of countless individuals through partnerships with local organizations and community outreach.

As part of the campaign's ongoing commitment, it initially focused on colorectal cancer screening awareness last year, addressing similar health concerns among prominent populations.

For more information on the 'GEAR UP Against Cancer' campaign, fans and communities can visit NFL Alumni's official campaign site.

The collaborative effort to foster a safer, healthier future by increasing awareness and encouraging action is a step towards combating the pervasive impacts of lung cancer and safeguarding the health of communities across America.