The life-saving potential of lung screenings

Early Detection Is Key

Fact: Lung cancer is the number one cancer killer in the United States.

Also a fact: It doesn’t need to be.

Schedule your annual screening today!

Educate. Screen. Prevent.

arly detection is key. Our 2026 campaign, presented by Chevron, focuses on the importance of early detection, raising awareness, providing education about Lung Cancer Screening opportunities and offers various ways to get involved.

The lung cancer ribbon is white, and pearls are often used to represent lung nodules. In keeping with this theme we want remind you that there is no beauty without hardship. In that spirit, our goal is to bring positive awareness to lung cancer and to reinforce that no one should travel the cancer journey alone. So join us through the month of November as we stand United in Lung Health and embrace the Power of Pearl.

After losing two loved ones to lung cancer, United in Pearl Ambassador Caitlin Hunter is spreading the word about the life-saving potential of lung cancer screenings. Click to hear her story, and call (985) 871-LUNG to schedule your screening today.

Get on the Bus

“The Mauti Cancer Fund is proud to partner with St. Tammany Health System through St. Tammany Health Foundation to provide our healthcare community with the first mobile lung screening van in Louisiana,” Mauti said.

2026 Power of Pearl Lung Cancer Walk

St. Tammany Health System and St. Tammany Health Foundation invite you to the 3rd Annual St. Tammany United in Lung Health-Power of Pearl Lung Cancer 1-Mile Walk.

November 21, 2026 | 10 AM - 1PM | Covington Trailhead

This is event is free to attend.

The lung cancer ribbon is white, and pearls are often used to represent lung nodules, the theme of the walk is to show there is no beauty without hardship, in that spirit, the goal is to bring positive awareness to lung cancer and help people know that no one should travel the cancer journey alone.

Just the facts

Why should you be screened for lung cancer? Glad you asked …

Cancer is second-leading cause of death in the US behind heart disease. Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers and accounts for the largest number of cancer deaths among men (26%) and women (25%).
Time is everything when it comes to lung cancer. If it is detected early, as a stage one disease, the five-year survival rate is between 68 and 92 percent. If it’s left until stage four, the five-year survival rate plummets to 10 percent.
The American Cancer Society estimates 3,700 new cases of lung and bronchus cancer will be detected in Louisiana in 2020. They also estimate 2,330 Louisianans will die from lung cancer in 2020.
According to the American Lung Association, the rate of new lung cancer cases in Louisiana is 67.9 and significantly higher than the national rate of 59.6. It ranks 38th among all states, placing it in the below-average tier.
Tobacco use is the leading risk factor for lung cancer, although environmental exposures can increase the risk as well, so not everyone with lung cancer has a history of tobacco use.
The smoking rate in Louisiana is 23.1% and significantly higher than the national rate of 16.4%. It ranks 49th among all states, placing it in the bottom tier.
Louisiana ranks 41st among the 48 states with data on diagnosis at an early stage, placing it in the below-average tier.

Let’s talk

Have questions? Drop us a line. We're ready, willing and able to provide answers about our annual lung health campaign.

Kathleen Thomas, St. Tammany Hospital Foundation Major Gifts Specialist

(985) 338-5328

kgthomas@stph.org

Megan S. Broussard, BSRT(R), RVT, Lung Screening Coordinator

(985) 871-5864

mbroussard@stph.org

2026 Sponsors