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Page 8 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, JAnuARy 31, 2025 Actor and Director Tony Goldwyn Returns in GO2 for Lung Cancer’s Latest Goldwyn highlights the power of early detection to increase lung cancer survivorship W ASHINGTON — GO2 for Lung Cancer launched a new awareness campaign to educate the public on the importance of screening for those at risk for lung cancer. The PSA, titled “Screens,” features acclaimed actor and director Tony Goldwyn. As someone who attends many screenings, Goldwyn emphasizes how a lung cancer screening is important, different, and lifesaving. Goldwyn is known most recently for his work on Law & Order, his role in the blockbuster fi lm “Oppenheimer,” and his directed fi lm, “Ezra.” Goldwyn has a personal connection to the disease. “I lost my mom to lung cancer when she was just 68 years old. If she’d had a screening, I might have had her for more years, but by the time her disease was detected, it was already too late. It had progressed,” he said. “I am passionate about raising awareness about lung cancer and the work that GO2 is doing to ensure more people know that early detection of the disease can save lives.” Lung cancer is the number one cancer killer in the United States, but it doesn’t have to be if caught early. Lung cancer screening with a low-dose tomography (also known as low-dose CT or LDCT) scan is the only current, proven method that can detect lung cancer before symptoms occur when it is more treatable and even curable. Unfortunately, because lung cancer typically doesn’t show symptoms until it is late stage, the fi ve-year survival rate is only 0% to 10%. If caught early, the survival rate jumps to as much as 92%. “We are so grateful to Tony and the important, lifesaving work he does for GO2,” said Laurie Ambrose, president and CEO of GO2 for Lung Cancer. “Anyone with lungs can get lung cancer. It’s a devastating disease that is curable if caught early – which is why we are encouraging people to talk with their doctor to learn if they are at risk and if they should be screened.” GO2’s fi rst public service announcement featuring Goldwyn launched in November 2023 during Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Through this PSA, tens of millions more people were made aware that GO2 is their “goto” and that no one must face lung cancer alone. In 2024, GO2 recognized Goldwyn with its “GO2 Rays of Hope Award for Excellence in Community Engagement and Awareness.” GO2 has a long history of providing one-on-one assistance, supportive connections, treatment information, and finding the best care close to home. It is also the place to go to learn about the latest research that increases survivorship. “Our partnership with Tony allows us to continue to raise awareness about the impact of lung cancer so we can relentlessly confront lung cancer on every front, every day, for everyone,” said Ambrose. For more information on GO2 for Lung Cancer, visit go2.org. ABOUT GO2 FOR LUNG CANCER GO2 for Lung Cancer relentlessly confronts lung cancer on every front, every day, for everyone. Founded by patients and survivors, GO2 is dedicated to increasing survival for those at risk, diagnosed, and living with lung cancer. For more information, visit go2.org, Facebook (@ GO2forLungCancer), Instagram, X (formerly Twitter, @ go2forlungcancr), and LinkedIn (@go2forlungcancer). BBB Scam Alert: Receive a call from a loan processing company? It could be a scam S cammers are at it again, posing as representatives from loan processing companies to trick consumers into sharing personal information. This advanced fee loan phishing scam often comes in the form of harassing phone calls and voicemails. The caller insists they need to verify minor details, such as your income, to fi nalize your loan application. While the message may sound convincing, it’s a ruse to steal your private information. How the scam works: You receive a call or voicemail from someone claiming to be from a loan processing team, often using a common name, like “Jessica.” The caller says they’ve been trying to contact you about your loan application and need to verify some fi nal details to complete your approval, although more than likely, you never applied for a loan. They provide a callback number and application ID to make the message seem legitimate. The voicemail emphasizes urgency, requesting you call back before a specifi c deadline to fi nalize the loan. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has received over 500 Scam Tracker reports of this scheme from across the United States in between November 2024 and January 2025, indicating that scammers are aggressively targeting consumers. People report receiving multiple calls per day, often from diff erent phone numbers but with nearly identical voicemail scripts. Realistically, there is no loan, and returning the call could lead to scammers collecting sensitive information, such as your Social Security number, bank account details or other personal data. Tips to avoid the scam • Verify the company’s legitimacy: If you’re contacted about a loan application you don’t recall submitting, hang up and do your research. Look up the company name online and contact them directly using verifi ed contact information. • Never share personal information with unsolicited callers: Scammers often ask for details like your Social Security number or bank account information. Avoid sharing sensitive information over the phone unless you BBB SCAM ALERT | SEE PAGE 21

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