Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Lung cancer is about more than just smoking.

“While smoking does remain as a primary risk factor, up to 20 percent of lung cancer cases occur in people who have never even smoked a day in their life,” said Lucretia Beler (pictured, second from left), a VOICES of Black Women ambassador for the American Cancer Society. “So what can you do? You can get screened. Talk to your primary care physician. They know about the (CT Angiography) lung cancer screening. Be your own advocate. You need to speak up about your health. Doctors don’t know every single thing that we think they do, so speak up and ask about the lung screening.”

During this Lung Cancer Awareness Month, Beler took part in an event Thursday morning at the Lincoln statue outside the Capitol.

While lung cancer kills 120,000 Americans a year, “lung cancer does not have to be a death sentence, said Kaitlyn Keen of the American Cancer Society (pictured, second from right). “n 1998, the United States settled with the four largest tobacco companies for $206 billion for the harm caused by intentionally advertising tobacco products to higher-risk communities like the military and other under -resourced groups.”

Keen is co-leader of the Illinois Lung Cancer Roundtable.