Lung cancer is the #1 cancer killer in the U.S., claiming more lives than breast, prostate, and colon cancer combined.

Over 120,000 Americans die from it every year. In 2022, about 60,000 cases of lung cancer were reported in Georgia itself.

But here’s the most shocking part:
Most people don’t even know lung cancer screening (a quick CT scan that reduces mortality by 20–33%) exists. And 75% of lung cancer cases are found too late — when survival is unlikely.

At the same time, ATL airport sees over 100 million passengers a year.
Many of them use the designated smoking areas — but walk away without ever seeing a message that could save their life.

We’re missing a critical moment for prevention.

The Opportunity
We’re calling on ATL Airport leadership to take one simple step:
Add clear, life-saving lung cancer screening signage to all designated smoking areas.

The sign/flier should include:

A brief message:
-“If you’ve smoked and are over the age of 50, you may qualify for a free, 5-minute scan that could save your life.”
-A QR code to this survey to see if they're eligible.
-The hotline +1 844-YES-LUNG.
-USPSTF screening criteria (ages 50–80, 20 pack-year smoking history, current or former smoker in the last 15 years)
-This is a low-cost, high-impact step ATL can take — and it could become a national model.

Why ATL Should Lead

-World’s busiest airport = massive visibility
-Smoking areas already exist — this adds education, not judgment
-ATL is based in Georgia, a state with low lung screening rates and high rate of new cancers in the country
-If ATL leads, other airports will follow

The Conclusion & My Story
Airports have previously taken steps on public health (COVID signage, human trafficking awareness, etc.). Lung cancer screening should be next given the extremely low screening rate (16-18%) for eligible people.

As an Atlanta-based student advocate working on lung cancer awareness campaigns across the U.S. and India, I’m asking ATL to help lead the charge — starting here, at home.

I've done flight announcements and I launched a movement for other students to do the same — #FlightPSAMovement.
I've done podcasts.
I've done social media.
I've done billboards.
I've done bus shelters.
And now I'm launching this petition.

Now it’s time to bring this message where it matters most — to the high-risk people who need to see it.

Please sign this petition.

Let’s make ATL the first airport in the U.S. to post lung cancer screening info at its smoking areas.

Let’s make sure no traveler walks away from ATL without knowing they could still catch it early.

🖊️ Sign today.
📣 Share with someone who travels through ATL.
🧠 Learn more at alcsi.org