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Being a Caregiver for a Parent https://www.lungevity.org/blogs/being-caregiver-for-parent Posted on October 25, 2022 Nick Baker, Website Content Manager Being a caregiver for a parent means helping in different ways and playing different roles. For Aimee Yairi, it started when her dad told her that he was having a lingering cough in early 2021. The fear was that he had caught COVID. His primary care physician continued ordering x-rays for her father and prescribing different medications for pneumonia, asthma, and GERD—but resisted sending him to a specialist. Aimee advocated for her father to get a CT scan. And that was when the 7 cm tumor was discovered. Despite her father living in the major metropolitan area of Honolulu, Aimee knew that he had to seek specialized care and time was of the essence. Within one week of the CT scan results, Aimee’s father was on a plane from Hawaii to seek care in the San Francisco Bay Area, where Aimee and her siblings lived. It was May of 2021 when he was officially diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Aimee’s First Steps in Being a Caregiver for a Parent Upon arriving in the San Francisco Bay Area, Aimee encouraged her father to seek care at a local academic center and then subsequently, a second opinion at a different nearby academic center. This was the first step in her caregiving journey, and she became the primary caregiver and advocate for her parent. “The first few months after the diagnosis were taxing and so intense. I was very overwhelmed but incredibly grateful for the support network I found,” says Aimee. Never did Aimee expect her professional background in the biotech and pharmaceutical area, focused on oncology, would help her with the medically focused role she would take on in her father’s care. She knew that connecting with lung cancer organizations like LUNGevity would help her learn how to support her dad in many additional ways. Her key responsibilities were finding the right doctors, communicating with medical staff because her father is a non-native English speaker, researching treatment options and clinical trials, joining support groups, finding patient resources, managing doctor’s visits, and helping her dad understand treatment options, risks, and possible outcomes, including the role of comprehensive biomarker testing. This is how they found the EGFR-mutation, specifically exon deletion 19, in his lung cancer tissue. And with this new information, they could offer him a more tailored plan including targeted treatment, rather than traditional chemotherapy, with or without radiation. “One thing I want to get across about treatment today is that lung cancer is diverse and heterogeneous. There are many types of lung cancer and many treatment options. But, you need to know the type of lung cancer you’re dealing with. Comprehensive biomarker testing gives you that information so that you may have the option of a treatment designed to treat your type of lung cancer,” says Aimee. Changing Roles as Treatment Changes At this point, Aimee’s role of being a caregiver for a patient expanded. She went from managing her father’s doctor appointments to learning about the treatment options he had moving forward. “It’s important people make the decisions that are best for them and their families. At the time of diagnosis, my father was 78 years old, and quality of life was important to him as well as to our family. At the same time, I wanted to know as much as possible about treatment options for this type of lung cancer, including what was not yet standard of care and specifically what clinical trial options were there for my dad. I knew my dad had choices. I just had to figure out what choices he had and to share them with him so that he could make an informed decision,” says Aimee. This is an example of how being a caregiver for a parent is different for everyone. It’s about working as a team where each person takes on different roles to form a strong unit. Aimee knew her strengths, such as understanding and being able to navigate a complicated healthcare system and the complexities of oncology care in the community vs. academic settings. She also knew to ask his healthcare teams about clinical trials and learned of a local one for patients with EGFR-positive lung cancer. The rationale for the trial sounded reasonable and other data appeared promising. And it would be significantly more convenient if he stayed with her in the San Francisco Bay Area while undergoing treatment. Caregivers Need Support Too But no caregiver journey is easy. While Aimee focused on helping her father with his cancer treatment, she also had a young daughter who needed support with remote learning due to COVID. Additionally, Aimee went through her own medical issues at the same time, including abdominal surgery and a broken foot. No caregiver can give 100% of themselves to someone else. And that’s okay. “You will feel like you’re giving 200% and you’re not alone. But know that life is not static. This too shall pass. One of my father’s “cancer buddies” told me that the first 6 months after diagnosis is the hardest. That was certainly our experience,” says Aimee. Today, Aimee’s dad is over a year out from his open thoracotomy and continues to stay on a targeted treatment as maintenance therapy plan. He is now home in Honolulu and continues to rake the leaves under his mango trees and look forward to visits with his grandchildren. Aimee has stayed in contact with the lung cancer community, and she continues to support her father by managing his healthcare team appointments and other needs. As her dad continues his lung cancer journey, Aimee continues her journey by giving back to the lung cancer community through outreach programs, like the LifeLine Support Partner program, that help connect her to other newly diagnosed patients and caregivers. “The journey, especially at the beginning, can be so scary and disorienting. I hope to be able to lend an ear and share some of the wisdom others kindly gave to us during our darkest times.” Related Links: Visit the LUNGevity Calendar to join upcoming caregiver events The Caregiver Resource Center has more helpful tips and information

LUNGevity Foundation Welcomes Ann Fish-Steagall, BSN, RN, as Senior Vice President of Patient Services https://www.lungevity.org/news/media-releases/lungevity-foundation-welcomes-ann-fish-steagall-bsn-rn-as-senior-vice-president With 40 years of expertise as an oncology nurse navigator and leader in clinical operations, Ann provides insight and value to LUNGevity’s Support and Survivorship programs FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact Linda Wenger lwenger@LUNGevity.org (973) 449-3214 WASHINGTON, DC (October 7, 2022) — LUNGevity Foundation, the nation’s leading lung cancer-focused nonprofit organization, welcomes Ann Fish-Steagall, BSN, RN, as its Senior Vice President of Patient Services. In her new role, Ann will be responsible for developing the organization’s blueprint for patient services and overseeing its execution. LUNGevity provides services to both the patient and their caregiver, irrespective of where the patient is in their journey – newly diagnosed, in treatment, living with the disease, or a long-term survivor. Materials are created to provide the healthcare team, including healthcare providers, nurses, and nurse navigators, with the tools they need to help inform their patients. As Senior Vice President of Patient Services, Ann will be ensuring that LUNGevity’s offerings prioritize and address needs across the lung cancer continuum of care. “Advances in early detection, treatment, and overall understanding of disease progression mean that people are living longer and better with lung cancer. LUNGevity is committed to providing services that address the unique needs of all people impacted by the disease, including long-term survivors and their caregivers,” said Andrea Ferris, president and CEO of LUNGevity Foundation. “Expanding the breadth and efficacy of our patient services ensures that the lung cancer survivors of today and tomorrow have the resources they need to thrive.” Ann Fish-Steagall received her Bachelor of Science in nursing and Bachelor of Social Work from Mars Hill College (University) in Mars Hill, NC. Prior to joining LUNGevity, Ann served as a research nurse and thoracic nurse navigator at the University of North Carolina. She is attuned to patients' needs; as the former director of clinical operations at Biologics by McKesson, Ann directed and implemented significant patient management programs. Ann shares that her life’s passion has been to improve the lives of patients, and we are grateful that she will continue this work at LUNGevity Foundation. About LUNGevity Foundation LUNGevity Foundation is the nation's leading lung cancer organization focused on improving outcomes for people with lung cancer. The foundation works tirelessly to advance research into early detection and more effective treatments, and to ensure that patients have access to these advances. LUNGevity seeks to make an immediate impact on quality of life and survivorship for everyone touched by the disease—while promoting health equity by addressing disparities throughout the care continuum. LUNGevity provides information and educational tools to empower patients and their caregivers, promote impactful public policy initiatives, and amplify the patient voice through research and engagement. The organization provides an active community for patients and survivors—and those who help them live better and longer lives. Comprehensive resources include a medically vetted and patient-centric website, a toll-free HELPLine for support, the International Lung Cancer Survivorship Conference, and an easy-to-use Clinical Trial Finder, among other tools. All of these programs are to achieve our vision—a world where no one dies of lung cancer. LUNGevity Foundation is proud to be a four-star Charity Navigator organization. About Lung Cancer in the US About 1 in 17 Americans will be diagnosed with lung cancer in their lifetime. More than 236,000 people in the US will be diagnosed with lung cancer this year. About 60%-65% of all new lung cancer diagnoses are among people who have never smoked or are former smokers. Lung cancer takes more lives in the United States than the next two deadliest cancers (colorectal and pancreatic) combined. Only about 23% of all people diagnosed with lung cancer in the United States will survive 5 years or more, BUT if it is caught before it spreads, the chance of 5-year survival improves dramatically. Please visit LUNGevity.org to learn more.

Navigating the Stigma of Lung Cancer: A Psychologist's Perspective https://www.lungevity.org/blogs/navigating-stigma-of-lung-cancer-psychologists-perspective Posted on October 5, 2022 Cecili Weber, Development & Foundation Content Manager Dr. Jamie Ostroff, clinical health psychologist and psychological liaison to the Thoracic Disease Management Team at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, weighed in with her perspective on smoking stigma and its effect on the lung cancer community. Dr. Ostroff founded Memorial Sloan-Kettering’s Tobacco Treatment Program, where she continues to serve as director and works with people diagnosed with cancer seeking treatment for tobacco dependency. Have your patients encountered the stigma of lung cancer, and if so, what have they shared about it with you? Countless patients have shared that they often receive critical and judgmental comments when they share their diagnoses with others. Family, friends, and coworkers may respond by saying, “I didn’t know you smoked!” or “Do you smoke?” Even medical care providers may inadvertently discuss smoking in a way that lands poorly with patients. I am a card-carrying tobacco treatment specialist working in tertiary (highly specialized) cancer care, so for me, I often see patients with a history of tobacco use as well as patients who do not. We need to provide compassionate and even sensitive care to patients with lung cancer who have never smoked, are former smokers, or are people who currently smoke. No one deserves lung cancer and every patient diagnosed with lung cancer needs access to our best treatments - be they clinical trials, surgical interventions, or even behavioral interventions for tobacco dependence. Often when lung cancer stigma shows up, it is wearing a costume of smoking stigma. The public does not understand that although smoking remains the leading preventable risk factor for lung cancer, not all patients diagnosed with lung cancer have a history of either active or passive tobacco use. The assumption is that lung cancer = smoking, but we now know that at least 20% of patients diagnosed with lung cancer have no known smoking-related risk factor. What is interesting is that regardless of your smoking history, lung cancer stigma is a universal phenomenon for patients. This means we need to think of ways to discuss smoking with patients that promote goals of reducing smoking morbidity and mortality but not at the expense of creating shame or stigmatizing patients who do have a smoking history. It is important for people to understand that smoking is not a habit. Unfortunately, nicotine is a highly addictive chemical substance that highjacks the neurobiology of the brain and causes a portion of people who experiment with smoking to lose their will or ability to stop smoking on their own. That is when it becomes an addiction. Nicotine addiction has a unique tenacity. If it were easy, then people would quit. My message for everyone is to be empathic and recognize how serious nicotine addiction is. What has contributed to the stigma? In 1964 the Surgeon General published a report stating that smoking was the leading cause of preventable death and disease in lung cancer, 12 additional cancers, and many other health conditions. The success of that reporting is that population rates of smoking have come down, but the consequence is that we have changed the norms around smoking, and people who smoke are often shamed in our culture. Young children, as young as 4 or 5, can tell you that smoking is “bad”. But what I can tell you is that smoking may be bad, and big tobacco companies are certainly bad, but people who are dependent on tobacco and addicted to nicotine are not bad. Again, no one deserves disease. Lung cancer, is lung cancer, is lung cancer. As one unified community, we want to call for attention, awareness, knowledge, resources, and the best scientific minds to address lung cancer. Where I see us falling short in addressing lung cancer stigma is focusing on treating former or current smokers and nonsmokers as two separate groups. As if nonsmokers are less deserving of lung cancer. Unity and empathy for ALL within the lung cancer community is the path forward. My greatest hope is that when a patient has to say to a family member or a friend, “hey listen, there is something that I need to tell you. I have been diagnosed with lung cancer.” That family member’s response will be, “I am so sorry, how can I help you?” rather than a judgment about smoking. That is the flip that we are working towards. There are lots of diseases and even cancers that have controllable risk factors, but somehow only patients with lung cancer seem to face this level of judgment and assumption. Do you have suggestions for ways patients and their families can take care of themselves emotionally while navigating life with lung cancer? Cancer diagnosis and treatment is an extraordinarily stressful event. Recognizing the importance of self-care when going through cancer treatment is critical. There are multiple ways that people process the emotions – many stay busy and try not to think about it, some people will find joining a support group or talking with other patients helpful, while others need to do a lot of research to gain a sense of control and feel confident in their healthcare decisions. There are many avenues for processing the emotions brought forth by cancer diagnosis or stigma, but I would say that patients and caregivers should prioritize emotional well-being in the same way that they prioritize physical well-being. Both are essential to survivorship. Lots of hospitals or cancer care networks have psycho-social support. National cancer advocacy groups, like LUNGevity and others, are good at connecting patients with volunteers or navigators that can provide people with the resources needed to better cope with lung cancer. Is there any advice that you give to lung cancer patients on how to respond to questions about smoking? Do you offer a different suggestion to patients with a history of smoking? If you have a relationship with the person asking you the questions and you choose to entertain this dialogue, because you do not have to, I suggest being truthful and letting them know how their line of questioning makes you feel. Kindly but firmly letting people know that either their questions or assumptions are harmful to you is a good place to start. You could start by saying something like, “I have heard that question before and it is not helpful. What I really need from you is support.” Usually, when people make those comments, they are being thoughtless, not malevolent. People say the first thing that comes to their mind, and my hope is that people will pause for a moment and consider how they want to respond in a moment as serious and important as a cancer disclosure. What I do not think people realize is that frankly, whether it is a genetic mutation, an exposure to a carcinogen at work, active or passive smoking, older age, or unknown causation – what all patients need is support and compassion. Profound societal changes have happened for breast cancer, largely because of the engagement of the breast cancer community. If there is one thing that I would encourage the lung cancer community to do is to be visible. Tell your story. The more active and engaged members of the lung cancer community we have, be they patients, survivors, or caregivers, the more likely we are to move the needle and see patients with lung cancer treated like people living with other diseases or forms of cancer. My hope is that soon we will welcome and be inclusive of a lung cancer community made up of people who never smoked as well as those who either previously or currently smoke. We are all dedicated to bringing the best discovery and innovation to the lung cancer space, and to saving the lives of all who are affected by lung cancer. Jamie S. Ostroff, PhD, is a clinical health psychologist with expertise in helping patients and their families cope with the psychosocial challenges of cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. She serves as a psychological liaison to the Thoracic Disease Management Team at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. She established and serves as Director of Memorial Sloan-Kettering’s Tobacco Treatment Program providing evidence-based treatment for tobacco-dependent cancer patients. She maintains an active program of research focusing on the psychological and behavioral aspects of lung cancer prevention, early detection, treatment, and survivorship. Much of her work focuses on the development, testing, and dissemination of innovative interventions to promote smoking cessation in cancer care. Additionally, Dr. Ostroff serves on several national committees dedicated to addressing the needs of patients and caregivers with lung and other tobacco-related cancers, including the National Lung Cancer Roundtable, the Go2 Foundation for Lung Cancer, and the Cancer Centers Cessation Initiative.

LUNGevity Foundation Grants Two Research Awards for Lung Cancer Studies Within the VA System LUNGevity strategically supports lung cancer researchers to continue progress in early detection and treatment https://www.lungevity.org/news/media-releases/lungevity-foundation-grants-two-research-awards-for-lung-cancer-studies-within FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact Linda Wenger lwenger@LUNGevity.org (973) 449-3214 WASHINGTON, DC (October 4, 2022)— LUNGevity Foundation, the nation’s leading lung cancer-focused nonprofit organization, is pleased to announce the recipients of our 2022 VA Research Scholar Awards. “LUNGevity Foundation is committed to supporting America’s veterans and veteran-focused healthcare,” said Upal Basu Roy, PhD, MPH, Executive Director of Research at LUNGevity. “These awards fund critical lung cancer research while supporting lung cancer researchers who are interested in continuing their careers within the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and its affiliated medical centers.” LUNGevity uses a rigorous approach to select awardees. Each research project is evaluated by a multidisciplinary review committee of thoracic oncology leaders who are passionate about serving the US veteran population. This year, the recipients of LUNGevity’s VA Research Scholar Awards are: Alex Bryant, MD VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System Project: Predicting clinical benefit of immunotherapy in veterans Dr. Bryant will use data from the Veterans Affairs system to develop statistical models to predict response to immunotherapy in patients with lung cancer. While immunotherapy has improved outcomes for many patients, scientists are still trying to understand why some people respond well to the treatment and others do not. If successful, this work will create a prototype to predict the benefit of choosing immunotherapy for individual patients. This tool could be used to counsel patients and inform patient-physician decision-making. Lucas Vitzthum, MD Stanford University School of Medicine / VA Palo Alto Project: Isotoxic hypofractionation to personalize radiation for NSCLC Dr. Vitzthum will develop and evaluate a method for personalized radiation therapy in patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Patients will be assessed regarding their expected risk of treatment toxicity, and those at lower risk will be treated in a fewer number of treatments with a more intense dose of radiation. If successful, this could result in optimized radiation treatment protocols that reduce barriers to treatment – such as financial burden and travel hardships – for patients. “LUNGevity’s VA Research Scholar Awards fulfill a critical need by providing grants to junior investigators who are interested in pursuing research careers that will impact the lives of people facing a lung cancer diagnosis,” said Robert Keith, MD, Professor of Medicine and Cancer Biology at the University of Colorado Denver, Associate Chief of Staff of Research at the Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, and member of LUNGevity’s Scientific Advisory Board. “These grants are critical stepping stones in the careers of these researchers. With this support, the researchers conduct initial experiments and collect initial data to lay the groundwork for an impactful career focused on lung cancer research within the VA.” About LUNGevity Foundation LUNGevity Foundation is the nation's leading lung cancer organization focused on improving outcomes for people with lung cancer. The foundation works tirelessly to advance research into early detection and more effective treatments, and to ensure that patients have access to these advances. LUNGevity seeks to make an immediate impact on quality of life and survivorship for everyone touched by the disease—while promoting health equity by addressing disparities throughout the care continuum. LUNGevity provides information and educational tools to empower patients and their caregivers, promote impactful public policy initiatives, and amplify the patient voice through research and engagement. The organization provides an active community for patients and survivors—and those who help them live better and longer lives. Comprehensive resources include a medically vetted and patient-centric website, a toll-free HELPLine for support, the International Lung Cancer Survivorship Conference, and an easy-to-use Clinical Trial Finder, among other tools. All of these programs are to achieve our vision—a world where no one dies of lung cancer. LUNGevity Foundation is proud to be a four-star Charity Navigator organization. About Lung Cancer in the US About 1 in 17 Americans will be diagnosed with lung cancer in their lifetime. More than 236,000 people in the US will be diagnosed with lung cancer this year. About 60%-65% of all new lung cancer diagnoses are among people who have never smoked or are former smokers. Lung cancer takes more lives in the United States than the next two deadliest cancers (colorectal and pancreatic) combined. Only about 23% of all people diagnosed with lung cancer in the United States will survive 5 years or more, BUT if it is caught before it spreads, the chance of 5-year survival improves dramatically. Please visit LUNGevity.org to learn more.

LUNGevity Grants Three Career Development Awards to Accelerate Lung Cancer Research For the 11th consecutive year, LUNGevity invests in the future of lung cancer research https://www.lungevity.org/news/media-releases/lungevity-grants-three-career-development-awards-to-accelerate-lung-cancer FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact Linda Wenger lwenger@LUNGevity.org (973) 449-3214 WASHINGTON, DC (September 27, 2022)—LUNGevity Foundation, the nation’s leading lung cancer-focused nonprofit organization, announced the recipients of their 2022 Career Development Awards today. LUNGevity’s Career Development Awards (CDA), now in their 11th consecutive year, support a cohort of future research leaders who will keep the pipeline of lung cancer research energized with new ideas and novel approaches. Awardees receive funding for their research projects, coveted mentorship opportunities, and serve as non-voting members of LUNGevity’s Scientific Advisory Board for the term of the awards. They also receive training in effective science communications. "It’s a privilege to announce the 2022 class of LUNGevity Career Development Awardees. As we just completed a systematic analysis of the lung cancer treatment landscape, we are confident these CDAs will address key unmet needs in the treatment landscape—developing immunotherapy combination approaches in the treatment of early-stage and metastatic non-small cell lung cancer, and new treatment options for rare lung cancers." says Upal Basu Roy, PhD, MPH, Executive Director of Research at LUNGevity. "By funding these early career researchers, LUNGevity helps to retain promising scientists in the lung cancer space. The CDA program encourages their continued focus on the key challenges facing the lung cancer community and contributes to a robust pipeline of dedicated lung cancer researchers." Past recipients of these awards have developed their own independent research programs, received major grants from the NIH and other funders, and even succeeded in getting a new treatment approved by the FDA. This year, the recipients of this prestigious award are: Kristen Marrone, MD Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Project: Phase 2 trial of neoadjuvant KRAS G12C directed therapy in resectable NSCLC Dr. Marrone will conduct a phase 2 clinical trial to test whether treatment with a KRAS G12C blocking drug, adagrasib, given as a single drug or in combination with an immunotherapy drug, nivolumab, before a patient undergoes surgery, can delay or prevent recurrence in patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors have a KRAS G12C mutation. Michael Offin, MD Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Project: Therapeutic targeting of BRAF fusion altered lung cancer Dr. Offin will be testing a series of new drugs in pre-clinical cell lines and animal models of lung cancer that contain BRAF fusions, which are known to be powerful stimulators of lung cancer development. Currently no targeted treatment exists for cancers that harbor these BRAF fusions. The goal of this project is to identify new drugs for this unmet need that can be tested in clinical trials. Joshua Reuss, MD Georgetown University Project: Combination checkpoint blockade plus VEGF inhibitor in EGFR-mutated NSCLC Dr. Reuss is conducting a phase 2 clinical trial to test whether a regimen of two immunotherapy drugs, atezolizumab and tiragolumab, given in combination with a VEGF inhibitor, bevacizumab, is effective in controlling EGFR-positive NSCLC that has become resistant to osimertinib. LUNGevity implements a rigorous process to carefully select awardees. Each research project is evaluated by a multidisciplinary review committee of thoracic oncology leaders, who are committed to finding lung cancer at its earliest, most treatable phase, as well as for extending and improving the lives of lung cancer survivors. “Congratulations to these awardees. When they look back, years from now, I believe this support from LUNGevity is likely to be viewed as an important turning-point in their careers,” said Charles Rudin, MD, PhD, Professor and Chief of the Thoracic Oncology Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Chair of LUNGevity’s Scientific Advisory Board. “These exceptional young investigators are poised to bring tremendous growth and improvements in our treatment of lung cancer. And I’m proud that LUNGevity Foundation is catalyzing their progress. “ LUNGevity is the only lung cancer organization with a programmatic focus on early detection and a strong Career Development Award Program. LUNGevity-funded researchers are working on finding a better way to detect lung cancer, and to better diagnose, treat, and prevent its recurrence. The Foundation’s translational research program, including the CDA awards, seeks to move the science forward to improve outcomes for people living with lung cancer. LUNGevity’s Career Development Awards program is supported by Genentech. About LUNGevity Foundation LUNGevity Foundation is the nation's leading lung cancer organization focused on improving outcomes for people with lung cancer. The foundation works tirelessly to advance research into early detection and more effective treatments, and to ensure that patients have access to these advances. LUNGevity seeks to make an immediate impact on quality of life and survivorship for everyone touched by the disease—while promoting health equity by addressing disparities throughout the care continuum. LUNGevity provides information and educational tools to empower patients and their caregivers, promote impactful public policy initiatives, and amplify the patient voice through research and engagement. The organization provides an active community for patients and survivors—and those who help them live better and longer lives. Comprehensive resources include a medically vetted and patient-centric website, a toll-free HELPLine for support, the International Lung Cancer Survivorship Conference, and an easy-to-use Clinical Trial Finder, among other tools. All of these programs are to achieve our vision—a world where no one dies of lung cancer. LUNGevity Foundation is proud to be a four-star Charity Navigator organization. About Lung Cancer in the US About 1 in 17 Americans will be diagnosed with lung cancer in their lifetime. More than 236,000 people in the US will be diagnosed with lung cancer this year. About 60%-65% of all new lung cancer diagnoses are among people who have never smoked or are former smokers. Lung cancer takes more lives in the United States than the next two deadliest cancers (colorectal and pancreatic) combined. Only about 23% of all people diagnosed with lung cancer in the United States will survive 5 years or more, BUT if it is caught before it spreads, the chance of 5-year survival improves dramatically. Please visit LUNGevity.org to learn more.

Get to know LUNGevity’s Lung Cancer Support Services https://www.lungevity.org/blogs/get-to-know-lungevity’s-lung-cancer-support-services Posted on September 20, 2022 Cecili Weber, Development & Foundation Content Manager Whether you are newly diagnosed or a long-term survivor, LUNGevity offers lung cancer support and survivorship services to address your unique needs. LUNGevity's services are designed to help you feel supported, informed, and empowered to be an active decision-maker in your treatment process and live well with the disease. LUNGevity's survivorship services are free and feature programs for survivors, caregivers, and family members. Read on to learn about our offerings and how you can access the services that are right for you. The Lung Cancer HELPLine The Lung Cancer HELPLine, in partnership with CancerCare, offers free personalized support for patients and caregivers. Oncology social workers are available to help manage emotional, financial, and support challenges. The HELPLine can give referrals to financial assistance resources for pain medication, homecare, childcare, medical supplies, transportation for treatment, and copayment assistance. Call the toll-free HELPLine at 844-360-5864. The HELPLine is available Monday through Thursday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, and Friday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (Eastern time). LifeLine Support Partners The LifeLine program matches patients or caregivers looking for one-on-one support with a LifeLine Support Partner. Partners are people who have walked the lung cancer path and volunteer as mentors. Support Partners offer their experience, encouragement, and advice. These matches can be a vital part of a patient or caregiver's support system. LifeLine matches are made by gender, age group, and similar diagnosis when possible. If you’re interested in joining the LifeLine program, please complete the interest form. Clinical Trial Ambassadors Lung cancer survivors who have taken part in a clinical trial can volunteer as ambassadors. Clinical trial ambassadors share their personal experiences with patients considering a trial. If you would like to be matched, or volunteer as a Clinical Trial Ambassador, please fill out the online form. All information provided is confidential. Weekly Virtual Meetups LUNGevity welcomes patients, survivors, and caregivers to join our weekly meetups. Meetups offer valuable information and true friendship. LUNGevity's expert staff and lung cancer survivors moderate the weekly sessions. Meetups for specific lung cancer types and mutations are also available. Learn more about our virtual meetups and register for sessions here. Lung Cancer Support Community The Lung Cancer Support Community (LCSC) is an online forum dedicated to lung cancer support, survivorship, and connection. Over 14,000 patients, survivors, and caregivers are members of the LCSC. Anyone can access the forum and read the message boards, but only registered members can interact with others or create new posts. Registration is free and you can join the LCSC by creating a profile using this form. Private Facebook Groups Are you on Facebook? LUNGevity hosts closed Facebook groups where you can connect with peers online. We have individual groups for lung cancer types, mutations, and caregiving. LUNGevity staff moderates the pages, and because the groups are private, only members of the lung cancer community can join. Be sure to like LUNGevity's Facebook page and request to join one of our Facebook groups. Survivorship Conferences LUNGevity hosts annual conferences for patients, survivors, and their caregivers. These conferences are both educational and inspirational. Attendees can expect presentations from top medical experts and sessions on navigating lung cancer and living well with the disease. HOPE Summit is an energizing, weekend conference with separate tracks to address the specific needs of survivors and caregivers. Although the 2022 HOPE Summit was canceled due to COVID-19, we look forward to bringing HOPE Summit back to our community in 2023. Stay tuned for more information to come! The International Lung Cancer Survivorship Conference (ILCSC) virtually connects survivors, caregivers, and advocates from across the globe. ILCSC offers participants a better understanding of the science behind your disease with expert sessions. Online Resource Centers LUNGevity’s website features the Survivor Resource Center and the Caregiver Resource Center. These specialized resources offer information to help navigate lung cancer's practical and emotional challenges. You can find links to financial assistance programs and other resources, webinars, educational materials, and more. We encourage you to take advantage of our survivorship services. If you have questions, you can reach our support and survivorship team by email at support@LUNGevity.org. Our monthly newsletter is an excellent resource for information on LUNGevity's programs and breaking lung cancer news. 

LUNGevity Foundation Issues Five Health Equity and Inclusiveness Research Awards Improving diverse representation in the scientific community promotes equity in research and healthcare delivery https://www.lungevity.org/news/media-releases/lungevity-foundation-issues-five-health-equity-and-inclusiveness-research FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact Linda Wenger lwenger@LUNGevity.org (973) 449-3214 WASHINGTON, DC (September 20, 2022)—LUNGevity Foundation, the nation’s leading lung cancer-focused nonprofit organization, is pleased to announce the recipients of their 2022 Health Equity and Inclusiveness Research Awards. “Recent data from 2022 shows that the oncology workforce in the United States is not diverse, with only 4.7% of oncologists identifying as Hispanic/Latinx, 3% as Black/African American, and 0.1% as American Indian/Alaska Native. We have also seen evidence suggesting patients of color have better outcomes and tend to participate in clinical trials when they are interacting with physicians who look like they do,” said Upal Basu Roy, PhD, MPH, Executive Director, LUNGevity Research. “LUNGevity is proud to provide a platform to springboard junior researchers in thoracic oncology from underrepresented minorities and provide them support to launch their careers.” The two awards, the Health Equity and Inclusiveness Research Fellow Award and the Health Equity and Inclusiveness Junior Investigator Award, both aim to support diversity and inclusivity within the scientific lung cancer community with special attention being paid to populations underrepresented in STEM. Health Equity and Inclusiveness Research Fellow Awards support early-stage lung cancer researchers, from populations underrepresented in STEM, who are interested in translational lung cancer research and are conducting their fellowship research. This year, the recipient of this award is: Rebecca Shulman, MD The Research Institute of Fox Chase Cancer Center Project: Synergistic expression of combined RT and dual-immune checkpoint blockade Dr. Shulman will use an animal model of metastatic lung cancer to test the hypothesis that radiation given in repeated and very low doses, in combination with immunotherapy, can further enhance the benefits seen with immunotherapy alone. Health Equity and Inclusiveness Junior Investigator Awards support physician-scientists who are interested in conducting lung cancer clinical research and are within the first five years of their faculty appointments. This year, the four recipients of this award are: Narjust Florez, MD Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Project: Young lung cancer: Psychosocial needs assessment Dr. Florez will study the psychosocial and financial impact of lung cancer in young patients (less than 50 years of age.) This population has seen an increase in lung cancer incidence in recent years, but little is known about their specific needs. The study will include a survey component as well as focus groups to understand the unmet needs of this group of patients. The information gathered in this study will be used to identify challenges unique to this population and develop the first clinical and research program of its kind for young lung cancer patients. Coral Olazagasti, MD University of Miami Project: Promoting lung cancer screening in Latinx patients with previous HNSCC Dr. Olazagasti will conduct interviews and use questionnaires to study Hispanic/Latinx patients with a history of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) to understand their unique needs for lung cancer screening, such as barriers to screening, awareness of screening, and eligibility for screening. Head and neck cancer survivors with a history of smoking have up to a 13% risk of developing lung cancer. The goal of this research is to create the first lung cancer screening program tailored to and focused exclusively on Hispanic/Latinx HNSCC survivors. Ana Velasquez Manana, MD University of California, San Francisco Project: Lung Equity Through Social needs SCREENING (LETS SCREEN) Dr. Velasquez Manana will conduct an observational study in a multiethnic group of patients with unresectable lung cancer to determine the association between social needs, care utilization, and quality of life. The goal of this study is to fill a key knowledge gap in the care of patients with NSCLC and inform interventions to support patients at risk of social adversity during treatment to end disparities in lung cancer care. Jonathan Villena-Vargas, MD Weill Medical College of Cornell University Project: Tumor draining lymph node immunomodulation to decrease recurrence in NSCLC Dr. Villena-Vargas will study the lymphatic system, a network of tissues and organs that produce, store, and carry white blood cells that fight infections and other diseases, as a way to reduce recurrence of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This project will use animal models to determine if immune checkpoint inhibitors enhance lymph node T-cell memory and increase their ability to recognize cancer cells in the body and prevent metastatic recurrence. These two awards were strategically created to support young researchers at different stages of their careers. LUNGevity uses a rigorous approach to choose awardees. Each research project for the two vehicles is evaluated by a multidisciplinary review committee of thoracic oncology leaders who are committed to mentoring underrepresented minority scientists. Dr. Villena-Vargas’ research is being supported this year through our inaugural Thermo Fisher Scientific-LUNGevity Health Equity and Inclusiveness Junior Investigator Award. “We are pleased to partner with LUNGevity Foundation to support Dr. Villena-Vargas’ research into NSCLC focused on preventing recurrence. Building an inclusive community of researchers and treatment centers helps ensure everyone has a real opportunity to achieve optimal lung cancer care,” says Luca Quagliata, PhD, BCMAS, global head of medical affairs for clinical next-generation sequencing and oncology at Thermo Fisher Scientific. “Through our Oncomine Clinical Research Grant program and this collaboration with LUNGevity, we are committed to supporting emerging research for cancer to help improve the development of and access to new treatment options.” About LUNGevity Foundation LUNGevity Foundation is the nation's leading lung cancer organization focused on improving outcomes for people with lung cancer. The foundation works tirelessly to advance research into early detection and more effective treatments, and to ensure that patients have access to these advances. LUNGevity seeks to make an immediate impact on quality of life and survivorship for everyone touched by the disease—while promoting health equity by addressing disparities throughout the care continuum. LUNGevity provides information and educational tools to empower patients and their caregivers, promote impactful public policy initiatives, and amplify the patient voice through research and engagement. The organization provides an active community for patients and survivors—and those who help them live better and longer lives. Comprehensive resources include a medically vetted and patient-centric website, a toll-free HELPLine for support, the International Lung Cancer Survivorship Conference, and an easy-to-use Clinical Trial Finder, among other tools. All of these programs are to achieve our vision—a world where no one dies of lung cancer. LUNGevity Foundation is proud to be a four-star Charity Navigator organization. About Lung Cancer in the US About 1 in 17 Americans will be diagnosed with lung cancer in their lifetime. More than 236,000 people in the US will be diagnosed with lung cancer this year. About 60%-65% of all new lung cancer diagnoses are among people who have never smoked or are former smokers. Lung cancer takes more lives in the United States than the next two deadliest cancers (colorectal and pancreatic) combined. Only about 23% of all people diagnosed with lung cancer in the United States will survive 5 years or more, BUT if it is caught before it spreads, the chance of 5-year survival improves dramatically. Please visit LUNGevity.org to learn more.

Did you know about 25% of lung cancer patients also develop brain metastases? Learn what this means for your care during a free American Brain Tumor Association webinar on 11/10, in partnership with LUNGevity Foundation. Register here: bit.ly/NovWebinar22 #btsm #lcsm #LCAM #lungcancerawarenessmonth

November is #NationalFamilyCaregiversMonth! Caregivers are the unsung heroes of the lung cancer community. From emotional support to managing appointments, caregivers are there every step of the way. In addition to appreciation, caregivers need support, too. Visit the caregiver resource center to learn about services and support available: https://bit.ly/3Tt1HWh

Just THREE DAYS until the lung cancer community is coming TOGETHER to walk to stop lung cancer. You can still join us! Register to walk in one of our five locations or in your neighborhood this Saturday, November 5th! Details here: www.lungevity.org/TOGETHER #lungcancerawarenessmonth #LCAM #lcsm GET CONNECTED Download the iHeartRadio mobile app and search for “Community Cares Radio | Music That Gives Back” or visit https://ihr.fm/3TWO8OA to listen easily from any web browser! TUNE IN Tune in Saturday, November 5th, for a broadcast from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM EST, brought to you by DC101’s Mike Jones. Hear about LUNGevity's commitment to advancing lung cancer research, education, and support, listen to messages from our sponsors, and most importantly- walk as one with the lung cancer community connected TOGETHER.

Join Johns Hopkins Medicine for this informative webinar on lung cancer. Medical Oncologist Dr. Susan Scott will discuss targeted therapies for early stage and metastatic lung cancer, the ADC trial, and outcomes from Johns Hopkins lung cancer research. Nurse Practitioner Rasheda Persinger will present information on managing the social, emotional, and physical side effects of cancer treatment. Learn about resources that can support you during and after treatment from LUNGevity Care Navigator Angela James and Survivorship Navigator Kristi Griffith. This event is hosted by the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center Greater Washington Area and LUNGevity Foundation. This virtual event is open to the community and free to attend. Register here: https://lungcancerwebinar.events.sibley.org/

November is #LungCancerAwarenessMonth. At LUNGevity, we are committed year-round to supporting lung cancer patients and their loved ones. This #LCAM, we are increasing awareness about lung cancer and highlighting the progress in research. Join us along with the entire lung cancer community to take action and spread awareness this November. Get your social media toolkit here: https://bit.ly/3eTkStb or visit www.lungevity.org for more information about lung cancer.

Join us for the ALK virtual meetup tomorrow (Wednesday, October 26) 12 pm ET / 11 am CT / 9 am PT! Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUqcOCprzsqG9eI8C5iW0YHbAGgYYsmMqJO#/registration

There is so much happening at LUNGevity this week! Visit the calendar to sign up for all of the free virtual events that you would like to join. https://www.lungevity.org/calendar

Saturday, November 12th, is your opportunity to learn from internationally recognized experts about the latest in lung cancer treatment and ways to navigate your diagnosis during a free webinar with UChicago Medicine. Get information about vital support programs and resources offered by UChicago Medicine and LUNGevity Foundation . This virtual event will be held via Zoom, registration is required. For more information, visit: www.lungevity.org/learn-uchicago

It's a full week of virtual events! Mindful Mondays return, virtual meetups, a RET Facebook Live and a Policy webinar. Register for all of these free events at the following links. Mindful Mondays, Virtual Meetups: https://www.lungevity.org/for-patients-caregivers/support-services/virtual-meetups RET Facebook Live: https://fb.me/e/3IeB3DtNe Policy 101 Webinar: https://bit.ly/3Slo3Z2

Could harnessing the immune system be the key to tackling RET-positive lung cancer? On October 18th, Dr. Upal Basu-Roy interviews Hilary Hammell, RETpositive and Dr. Alexandre Reuben, MD Anderson Cancer Center on this exciting project funded by the RETPositive patient group. RSVP here: https://fb.me/e/3IeB3DtNe

Brief Summary: This phase II trial studies the effect of atezolizumab given with usual chemotherapy during radiation therapy in treating patients with superior sulcus non-small cell lung cancer. Immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies, such as atezolizumab, may help the body's immune system attack the cancer, and may interfere with the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. Chemotherapy drugs, such as cisplatin, carboplatin, etoposide, paclitaxel and pemetrexed, work in different ways to stop the growth of tumor cells, either by killing the cells, by stopping them from dividing, or by stopping them from spreading. Radiation therapy uses high energy beams to kill tumor cells and shrink tumors. Giving atezolizumab with usual chemotherapy and radiation therapy may lower the chance of the tumor from growing or spreading. Here is a link to a patient-friendly summary from SWOG’s website: http://swog.org/S1934 Here is a link to the clinical trial on NCI’s website, including study sites: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04989283 If you want more information, please contact the study investigator, Dr. Raymond Osarogiagbon, at rosarogi@bmhcc.org.

The lung cancer community is uniting for Breathe Deep TOGETHER, the nationwide walk to stop lung cancer, happening Saturday, November 5th. Join us in Chicago, New York, Washington, D.C., Boston, Northeastern PA, or your own neighborhood, to walk and celebrate the progress that has been made in lung cancer research, honor loved ones, and come together as a community. Lung cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, family, and friends of all ages are welcome to attend. Learn more and register at www.lungevity.org/TOGETHER

Have you heard of Project PEER? Project PEER: Understanding the lung cancer Patient ExperiEnce in the Real-world setting Help LUNGevity and the U.S. FDA better understand how you (or a loved one) is living with lung cancer. By sharing your story, you can help direct policy, create better treatment options, and improve outcomes for people living with lung cancer. Compensation will be provided once you’ve completed the study. https://bit.ly/34hOtDk

Could pulmonary rehab be beneficial for you? On Tuesday, September 27th (12 pm ET, 11 am CT), Debbie Koehl, a pulmonary rehab program manager, will be answering your questions and sharing information about pulmonary rehab. Virtual meetups are free to attend, but registration is required. Sign up here: lungevity.org/virtualmeetups

Thursday afternoon, tune in to LUNGevity Foundation's Facebook Live for newly diagnosed people living with EGFR+ lung cancer. Are you newly diagnosed with EGFR+ lung cancer? Listen in as lung cancer expert Dr. Zosia Piotrowska speaks with LUNGevity’s Dr. Amy Moore to discuss the key information every newly diagnosed EGFR+ lung cancer patient needs to know. Dr. Piotrowska and Dr. Moore will be answering your questions live in the comments. Learn more and RSVP here https://fb.me/e/1WjEmOUdf

Join us today for the KRAS and Small Cell Lung Cancer virtual meetups! These meetups happen the 3rd Wednesday of each month. More information and register here: https://www.lungevity.org/for-patients-caregivers/support-services/virtual-meetups KRAS – 3rd Wednesday 12 pm ET / 11 am CT / 9 am PT SCLC – 3rd Wednesday 3 pm ET / 2 pm CT / 12 pm PT

Mindful Mondays: 12 pm ET | 11 am CT | 9 am PT (4-week series with Ben Garcia starting 10/17/2022) For patients/survivors, caregivers, family & friends Start your week off with mindful meditation. Learn how mindfulness can help you feel calmer, less stressed, and more focused. Register in advance for this meeting. https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUrdu6hpj8qHdensea1HxB37OQi3e2mlJz- After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

It is common to experience early satiety, or feeling full more quickly than normal, during treatment. Instead of focusing on 3 regular meals during the day, try to eat smaller, high-calorie, high-protein meals/snacks every 2-3 hours. This cheesy cauliflower mash is full of calories, calcium, and protein… just a couple of bites will help you in your weight maintenance goals: https://bit.ly/3dCK1Es Ask Ina® for more recipes for managing side effects of cancer treatment! https://adlungev.savorhealth.com/portal/