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NewYork-Presbyterian/Hudson Valley Hospital will shine a little light on the subject of lung cancer when it hosts "Shine A Light on Lung Cancer," one several vigils being held across the nation in November as part of lung cancer awareness month.

The event is an effort to honor survivors and remember those who were lost to the disease. But organizers also hope that it will help to spotlight lung cancer, which has gained little attention and research funding when compared to breast and other cancers.

Lung Cancer is the leading cancer killer in both men and women in the U.S. and worldwide, killing more people than breast, prostate and colon cancers combined.

"Shine A Light on Lung Cancer, " will be held on Thursday, November 6 from 6-7 p.m. at Hudson Valley Hospital’s Cheryl R. Lindenbaum Cancer Center, 1978 Crompond Road in Cortlandt Manor. The vigil is part of an effort by the Lung Cancer Alliance to raise awareness about Lung Cancer. Participants will be given glow sticks to help shine a light during the vigil.

"Lung Cancer patients, their families and the general community are welcome to join us that evening to raise awareness about lung cancer," said Anne Campbell-Maxwell, Director of Oncology Services at the Cheryl R. Lindenbaum Cancer Center. "Last year’s event was very moving with patients and families sharing their experiences and we hope that this year will be even more successful."

NewYork-Presbyterian/Hudson Valley Hospital continues to offer free lung cancer screenings for high risk patients, a program it launched last year. Since last year, the hospital has performed 113 screenings.

Dr. Maurice Poplausky, Director of Radiology at HVHC, urged people in the community to sign up for the free low-dose CT screenings, that he said normally cost about $400. He said early detection was the key to fighting lung cancer. Without the screenings most people do not get treatment until they experience symptoms, often times to late for a cure, he said.

"We want people at risk to take action and get a screening," said Poplausky. "We know it saves lives."

Studies have shown that LDCT lung screening can lower the risk of death from lung cancer by 20% in people who are at high risk. Those considered high risk are men and women between 55 and 74 who currently smoke or who have quit smoking in the past 15 years and have smoked at least a pack of cigarettes a day for 30 years.

To find out if you are eligible for a free lung cancer screening, call the Lindenbaum Cancer Center at 914-293-8400.