Doubling lung cancer survival rates in nine years

Lung cancer is sometimes referred to as the “invisible” cancer. Its impact is not often discussed; but it is often felt. The disease takes more American lives each year than breast, colon, and prostate cancers combined. One in 16 women will develop lung cancer in her lifetime, and anyone can get it. I decided to raise awareness for lung cancer when it became obvious to me, as a young physician and researcher, that if I didn’t do it, no one else would. As an oncologist and lung cancer researcher, I saw firsthand the toll the disease takes, and I am also witness to the impact that a lack of adequate research funding has had on lung cancer survival. So in 2001, my colleagues and I decided we had to take action. We founded the National Lung Cancer Partnership, not only to raise awareness but also to raise research funds to fuel the most promising research at institutions throughout the country. We’ve come a long way. Since 2005, we have awarded more than $3.7 million for cutting-edge research that is essential to helping patients live longer and better lives. We’ve also reached tens of thousands of people impacted by lung cancer through our educational resources and our national event series Free to Breathe. Still, we decided we needed to do more. Earlier this year, we announced a new vision that sets a bold course for the next decade and beyond. By 2022, we will double the overall five-year lung cancer survival rate in the US. You might wonder why lung cancer survival...
Source: Disruptive Women in Health Care - Category: Health Medicine and Bioethics Commentators Authors: Tags: Cancer lung cancer Source Type: blogs