Lung cancer remains the deadliest cancer in the United States, but early detection, education, and personalized care are changing outcomes.
Teri Cannon
Executive Director, A Breath of Hope Lung Cancer Foundation
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death in the United States, yet it receives a fraction of the public attention and research funding compared to other major cancers. Despite these sobering statistics, there is real hope, and it begins with early detection and personalized care. A Breath of Hope Lung Cancer Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated exclusively to lung cancer, is working to reduce stigma, promote education, and save lives.
Dismantling stigmas and encouraging early detection
Lung cancer has long carried an unfair stigma, often linked to assumptions about smoking. This stigma can delay diagnosis, discourage support, and limit funding for research. A Breath of Hope Lung Cancer Foundation is committed to ending this harmful narrative because everyone deserves compassion, early detection, and a fair chance to survive with lung cancer.
Early detection through low-dose CT screening can reduce lung cancer mortality by up to 20%. For high-risk individuals — those over 50 who currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years — this screening is not only recommended, it can be lifesaving. Yet, fewer than 16% of eligible Americans are being screened each year. Increasing awareness and access to this simple, effective test could dramatically shift outcomes for thousands of people.
Equally important is the role of biomarker testing. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommends that patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), even those with early-stage disease, undergo testing for genomic mutations. Since NSCLC accounts for about 85% of all lung cancer cases, identifying biomarkers for targeted therapy is critical. For many, these therapies offer more effective treatment, longer survival, and better quality of life. Without comprehensive and timely biomarker testing, patients may miss out on therapies tailored to their specific cancer profile.
Resources for lung cancer patients
Understanding a lung cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, which is why A Breath of Hope Lung Cancer Foundation launched an innovative, patient-centered educational platform, YouAndLungCancer.com. This resource features an animated patient guide to lung cancer, a dynamic, easy-to-understand, and visually engaging learning tool created for patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers.
Available in both English and Spanish, the guide helps bridge the gap between complex medical information and patient understanding. Through clear, animated modules, users can better grasp key concepts such as biomarker testing, treatment options, and what to expect during their care journey. Nearly 2 million users from over 130 countries have accessed this resource.
Lung cancer no longer has to be a silent killer. With the power of early detection, precision medicine, and education, we can offer patients not just more time, but better time. A Breath of Hope remains committed to ensuring that every person diagnosed with lung cancer has access to the tools, knowledge, and support they need to fight and survive.
To learn more and access support, visit ABreathOfHope.org and join us in giving every patient a fighting chance — because hope is just the beginning.
