760 TREES TO RAISE LUNG CANCER AWARENESS

Chief Minister and Minister for Territory and Municipal Services, Jon Stanhope, has unveiled a commemorative plaque to launch The National Lung Cancer ‘Plant for Lung Cancer' tree planting day at Pine Island today.

Mr Stanhope joined Chairman of The Australian Lung Foundation, Dr Bob Edwards to raise awareness of lung cancer and show support for people living with the disease and their families.

"More than 7,600 Australian men and women die from lung cancer each year, which makes this disease the leading cause of cancer related deaths in Australia," Mr Stanhope said.

"'The initiative will see Pine Island become home to 760 trees - each tree representing 10 Australians who die from lung cancer each year - to be planted on site by volunteers and members of the community.

"Canberra is one of many cities taking part in the national cause with simultaneous tree planting events in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

"The trees will act as a reminder to Canberrans of the effects the disease has on local families.

"The ACT Government's involvement in the tree planting day aims to not only raise awareness within the community but also to motivate people with suspected symptoms to seek diagnosis and early treatment.

"I encourage Canberrans to visit The Australian Lung Foundation's Lung Health Checklist which assists people with respiratory symptoms to understand their lung health and encourages early diagnosis."

Access the Lung Health Checklist at www.lungfoundation.com.au. For more information on 2010 Year of the Lung visit www.2010yearofthelung.org.

Media Contact:

Chantelle Lustri 6205 2775 0434 560 770 chantelle.lustri@act.gov.au
Jess Wurf 6205 0504 0411 772 700 jess.wurf@act.gov.au