Tackling Radon to prevent lung cancer in Saskatchewan

We often don’t think about our lungs until something takes our breath away.

It’s hard to imagine that something we can’t see, taste, or smell in our homes could be doing just that. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, and the prairie provinces are hot spots for this deadly gas. High levels of radon in the home do not show immediate signs and symptoms in the body. The only way to know how much radon is in your home is to test for it.

Radon is a gas formed by the breakdown of uranium, a natural radioactive material found in all soil and rock. As radon breaks down it forms radioactive particles that can get lodged into your lung tissue as you breathe. The radon particles then release energy that can damage your lung cells. When lung cells are damaged, they have the potential to result in lung cancer.

“As we all spend more time than ever at home, it is imperative that the air we breathe is safe. Now is the time to test for radon, says Jill Hubick, Registered Nurse and Certified Respiratory Educator with The Lung Association.

Hubick also emphasizes that testing for radon is easy and one significant way to help prevent lung cancer in the future.

“When someone has lung cancer, and their body begins to show signs and symptoms, the disease is often at a late stage, and more difficult to treat. Lung cancer is much easier to prevent,” adds Hubick.

November was lung month, and The Lung Association was hoping to increase radon awareness and tackle radon with the help of two Canadian football superstars. Saskatchewan Roughrider Alumnus

Andrew Greene and Winnipeg Blue Bomber and Grey Cup Champion Adam Bighill are unlikely teammates. Football fans know Saskatchewan and Winnipeg for their competitive rivalry. Yet Adam and Andrew have joined forces and make a dynamic duo.

“It doesn’t matter if you wear green or blue, when it comes to lung cancer prevention, we are all on the same team,” says Bighill.

Like Bighill, Greene knows how vital lung health is and hopes others will take action on radon.

“As professional football players, our job was to protect our teammates on the field. Together, Adam and I hope to empower both Saskatchewan and Manitoba residents to protect their families by testing for radon. One simple test could save your family’s life, says Andrew.

The campaign wouldn’t be complete without a little friendly competition between the two provinces. People are encouraged to purchase a radon test kit from Tackleradon.ca and select which ambassador empowered them to test for radon. A tally of the number of families testing for radon and from each province is tracked.

Know your RADON number! Test Today! Tackleradon.ca