February 4, 2020 – On World Cancer Day, The Canadian Lung Association encourages every Canadian to test their home for radon. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in Canada; second only to tobacco. The Lung Association is partnering with people across Canada in sharing the importance of radon testing. My Radon Story features individuals and families from Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario. My Radon Story was inspired by the experience of a young mother, Kerri Tucker, who was diagnosed with lung cancer, caused by radon.
Kerri, a young mother of three and Saskatoon realtor, developed a cough that just wouldn’t go away. After several of visits to the doctor and a series of tests, Kerri was diagnosed with lung cancer. “I was shocked to find out I had lung cancer because I have never smoked a day in my life,” explains Tucker. Her doctors attribute her diagnosis to radon exposure. “Lung cancer from radon happened to me and can happen to you too, but it’s completely preventable,” says Kerri. Kerri has since beaten lung cancer, and continues to share her story so others can learn about the dangers of radon. Along with Kerri’s story, the My Radon Story campaign features ambassadors from all walks of life, who share a strong passion for educating and encouraging Canadians to test their homes for radon.
February 4th, is World Cancer Day, and The Canadian Lung Association urges all families to take action on this deadly gas to reduce their risk of lung cancer.
“The Canadian Lung Association strongly encourages all Canadians to test their homes and take action on radon. There is no safe level of radon exposure.” Says Terry Dean, president and CEO, The Canadian Lung Association.
“You can’t see it, taste or smell it, so it’s important to know your radon number by testing. The risk of radon exposure that Canadians face is alarming and very concerning,” he adds.
High radon levels can be reduced in a safe and effective way. It is recommended to work with a radon mitigation professional certified by the Canadian- National Radon Proficiency Program.
On February 26th, The Canadian Lung Association will be hosting a free radon webinar featuring presenters Kerri Tucker, as well as Kelley Bush from Health Canada. Canadians are invited to attend this webinar to learn how to protect your family from this deadly gas.
To read the ambassadors’ stories, purchase a radon test kit, and sign up for the webinar visit www.homeradontest.ca/partner/cla.
About Radon:
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer. As radon breaks down it forms radioactive particles that can lodge into the lung tissue as a person breathes. The radon particles can damage lung cells and potentially result in cancer. Lung cancer kills more people than breast, ovarian, colon and prostate cancer combined. You can’t see, taste, or smell radon; the only way you can find it is to test for it.
