Lung cancer remains one of the most formidable challenges in the realm of public health, claiming more lives each year than breast, prostate, and colon cancers combined. Despite its deadly impact, lung cancer often goes unnoticed in public discussions compared to other illnesses.
However, a number of dedicated lung cancer charities around the world have taken up the mantle to change this narrative, focusing on everything from critical research and groundbreaking treatments to patient support and advocacy.
These organizations play a pivotal role in the global fight against lung cancer, tirelessly working to increase survival rates and improve the quality of life for patients and their families.
The battle against lung cancer is multifaceted, requiring a concerted effort to fund innovative research, support those affected, and educate the public about prevention and early detection.
Lung cancer charities are at the forefront of this fight, providing resources that are essential for advancing our understanding of the disease and developing more effective therapies.
By supporting these lung cancer charities, individuals and communities contribute directly to a cause that has the potential to save millions of lives. This post highlights some of the most impactful lung cancer charities, exploring their missions, the essential work they perform, and how people can get involved to make a meaningful difference.
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Lung Cancer Charities
American Lung Association
Founded over a century ago, the American Lung Association is one of the oldest voluntary health organizations in the United States. It focuses extensively on preventing lung disease and promoting lung health through research, education, and advocacy, with a significant portion of its efforts directed towards combating lung cancer.
- Mission: To save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease.
- History: Founded in 1904 to combat tuberculosis, the American Lung Association is one of the oldest voluntary health organizations in America. It expanded its mission to include all lung diseases, including cancer, as medical advances controlled tuberculosis.
- Impact: The organization has been instrumental in many public health victories, including smoking bans, cleaner air standards, and increased funding for lung disease research.
Lung Cancer Research Foundation
This organization funds innovative research focused on lung cancer and its treatment. They are committed to supporting projects that explore new possibilities in early detection, treatment modalities, and patient care.
- Mission: To improve lung cancer outcomes by funding research for the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure of lung cancer.
- History: Established in 2005, the foundation has grown to become a leading lung cancer research funding body.
- Impact: It has awarded over $34 million to lung cancer research and supported over 370 projects, helping to advance the scientific understanding of lung cancer.
LUNGevity Foundation
LUNGevity is the largest national lung cancer-focused nonprofit in the United States, known for its comprehensive approach to battling lung cancer. The foundation not only funds research but also provides extensive support and education for patients, survivors, and their families.
- Mission: To provide a community of empowerment and support for people affected by lung cancer and funding research for the disease.
- History: Founded in 2001, LUNGevity is the largest national lung cancer-focused nonprofit, known for its patient-focused approach.
- Impact: LUNGevity funds research projects across the United States, hosts patient education events, and provides support services that have reached thousands of patients and families.
Go2 Foundation for Lung Cancer
The Go2 Foundation for Lung Cancer was created by patients for patients and is the result of a merger between the Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation and the Lung Cancer Alliance. It focuses on research funding, patient support, and advocacy, aiming to transform survivorship and drive policy change.
- Mission: To save, extend, and improve the lives of those vulnerable, at risk, and diagnosed with lung cancer.
- History: Formed from the merger of the Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation (founded in 2006) and the Lung Cancer Alliance (founded in 1995), combining decades of experience and expertise in patient advocacy and research.
- Impact: Go2 Foundation has been a leader in promoting lung cancer screening, patient services, and policy changes to benefit lung cancer patients.
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The Lung Cancer Foundation of America
Focused specifically on funding research, this organization supports early-stage discoveries and innovative projects that have the potential to significantly improve patient outcomes and extend lives.
- Mission: To dramatically improve survivorship of lung cancer patients through the funding of transformative science.
- History: Founded by patients and caregivers in 2007, motivated by the need to increase funding for innovative research.
- Impact: Focuses on supporting early-career scientists and high-risk, high-reward projects to speed up scientific breakthroughs and the development of new treatments.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, while broadly focused on catastrophic pediatric diseases, includes lung cancer in its research efforts. They are noted for their pioneering work in treating children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases at no cost to the families, and their research is instrumental in pushing the boundaries of medical science.
- Mission: To advance cures, and means of prevention, for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment.
- History: Founded in 1962 by entertainer Danny Thomas, with the promise that no child is denied treatment based on race, religion, or a family’s ability to pay.
- Impact: St. Jude has helped push the overall survival rate for childhood cancers from less than 20% when it opened to over 80% today, and shares its discoveries freely worldwide.
American Cancer Society(ACS)
The ACS’s broad approach encompasses not only funding research but also enhancing community education, advocating for policy changes, and offering a wide array of patient support resources.
This multi-faceted strategy has made a profound impact on lung cancer awareness and treatment, positioning the ACS as a key player in the ongoing fight against cancer.
- Mission: To save lives, celebrate lives, and lead the fight for a world without cancer.
- History: Founded in 1913 by 15 prominent physicians and business leaders in New York City, the ACS has evolved into one of the oldest and largest voluntary health organizations dedicated to eliminating cancer.
- Impact: ACS is renowned for its comprehensive cancer research funding, having invested more than $4.9 billion since 1946. The organization also plays a critical role in education, advocacy, and patient support, contributing to significant declines in the overall cancer death rate. Their efforts include a strong focus on lung cancer through research funding, prevention campaigns, and patient support services.
