7223 Background: In preparation for the launch of a lung cancer awareness campaign in 2000, a survey was conducted to assess media coverage for the four major cancers (breast, prostate, lung, colorectal). Results found the majority of articles addressed breast cancer, while lung cancer (the leading cancer killer) was underreported, and articles carried negative messages, were unsympathetic to patients, and focused on tobacco-related issues. With a perceived increase in lung cancer research and celebrity-supported education initiatives, a 2004 follow-up was commissioned to determine if lung cancer coverage has increased and become more positive. Methods: Research firm Carma International conducted two parallel online searches (Aug. 1999 - July 2000 and Aug. 2003 - July 2004) to retrieve systematic random samples of 600 breast, prostate, lung and colorectal stories and transcripts from national newspapers, newswires, consumer magazines, newsweeklies, and broadcast news. Content analysis included symptoms, prevention, detection, treatment, survival, research, personal accounts, events and tobacco/smoking. Coverage was analyzed by volume, story type, topics, awareness events and celebrity outreach. Results: Findings showed lung cancer coverage increased 10% (105 to 116), while breast cancer coverage decreased 10% (368 to 333). Lung cancer coverage was more positive; treatment and research references increased from 21 to 29 and 22 to 32 respectively, while tobacco/smoking references decreased from 48 to 36. Patient-focused stories addressing clinical trials and psychosocial issues increased from 4 to 18. Celebrity-focused lung cancer articles increased from 2 to 10, while celebrity breast cancer articles decreased from 35 to 10. Conclusions: There are more lung cancer articles conveying positive messages and greater celebrity involvement than at the start of the campaign. Contributing factors are likely related to celebrity involvement and coverage of new treatments. Given lung cancer’s toll, education and awareness campaigns must continue to drive coverage. A follow-up survey should be conducted to determine if this increase in positive coverage translates into less stigma and blame toward lung cancer patients. No significant financial relationships to disclose.