Chinese Hospital announces partnership with White Ribbon Project to raise awareness of lung cancer

(SAN FRANCISCO) Lung cancer has one of the highest mortality rates among all cancers. The Chinese Hospital announced in partnership with the White Ribbon Project to raise the awareness of lung cancer in the Chinese community.

According to the World Cancer Research Fund International, lung cancer is the second most common cancer worldwide, the most common cancer in men and the second most common cancer in women.

Lung cancer is also the top cancer killer among Chinese Americans. The Chinese Hospital announced on August 8 that the Hospital was in partnership with the White Ribbon Project to raise awareness about lung cancer within the community in order to save more lives.

A ceremony was held at the Chinese Hospital on August 8 to build the wood white ribbons as a symbol in fighting against lung cancer. The White Ribbon would be presented to the medical staff in appreciation for their critical role in providing hope for better lung health.

Chris Draft, lung cancer advocate and former 49er pro football player, attended the ceremony to show his support for the partnership and commitment to working with the Chinese community.

"Lung cancer has one of the highest death rates among all cancers," said Dr. Jian Zhang, CEO of Chinese Hospital. "The Chinese Hospital's screening rate for the patients is 40%, higher than the national average. I encourage everyone to take the screening test which is very simple and quick to have early detection."

Ronnie Fong, oldest son of Chinatown leader Jack Lee Fong who has donated $250,000 for matching funds to improve lung health, said he lost his wife who was diagnosed with lung cancer. "My wife never smoked but died of lung cancer," said Fong, who was committed to raising awareness of lung cancer within the community before it would be too late to save lives.