Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in New York, according to the Department of Health.

The Gov. Mario Cuomo Bridge was illuminated in turquoise on Wednesday night to raise awareness of the disease during Lung Cancer Action week.

More than 6,700 men and over 7,200 women are diagnosed with lung cancer every year, according to statistics - and more than 3,000 in each group will succumb to the disease.

The prevalence has been declining since 1995 but the decline is slower among women.

Smoking or second-hand smoke exposure increases a person's risk of getting cancer.

Radon gas, asbestos and family history can also increase the risk of developing lung cancer.

Quitting smoking can be difficult but there are resources available to curb the addiction,

Medications and counseling double the chances of quitting successfully.

For more information on quitting smoking, visit the NYS Smoker's Quitline at www.nysmokefree.com