American Lung Association’s Breath of Fresh Air

Gil Purcell Invited as Keynote Speaker for Breath of Fresh Air Luncheon

November 20, 2008 — On November 20, 2008, the American Lung Association of California hosted the Breath of Fresh Air Women’s Lung Health Luncheon at the Sheraton Stockton in Regent Point, California. Gil Purcell, senior trial partner for Brayton Purcell, LLP, was invited as the keynote speaker to discuss the current state of tobacco litigation as well as the effect of the tobacco industry’s advertising focused on young women.

“I can’t say enough about the many great people I met from the American Lung Association of California,” said Mr. Purcell. “What an honor to be asked to speak on a panel with Dr. Laura Gabriele and Patricia Haghurst at the Breath of Fresh Air.”

How Women’s Lives Are Affected by Lung Cancer

Women’s lives are disproportionately impacted by lung cancer far more than commonly known or understood. The American Lung Association of California, concerned business and community leaders came together at the Breath of Fresh Air Women’s Lung Health Luncheon to highlight these disparities and recognize those making a difference within their communities. “My congratulations to the recipients of the American Lung Association Community Excellence Awards,” said Mr. Purcell. “This is a great organization and I hope to be involved again next year.”

Facts About Women and Lung Cancer:

• Lung cancer kills more women than breast, cervical and ovarian cancers combined.
• Approximately 25% of women with lung cancer never smoked compared to only 15% of men.
• Over the past 20 years, lung cancer death rates in women have increased by 42% where as death rates in men have decreased by 20%.
• Lung cancer accounts for the largest number of new cancer deaths among African-American women who also have lower lung cancer survival rates than Caucasian women.
• More teen girls than boys start smoking.