Lung Cancer Initiative

The world's premier oncology conference delivered major news for lung cancer patients this year — and Duke Cancer Center's own Dr. Laura Alder was there. In her latest research update, she breaks down three findings that are already reshaping treatment.

Progress like this is why there's so much hope on the horizon. Read Dr. Alder's full breakdown — bit.ly/LCIatASCO

Happy National Cancer Survivors Day!

Today, we celebrate every person living with a lung cancer diagnosis—from the moment of diagnosis onward. Your courage, resilience, and determination inspire us every day.

At LCI, we believe every survivor has a story worth sharing. Visit our Stories of Hope, a collection of real experiences from people impacted by lung cancer, and be reminded that you are never alone on this journey.

📖 Read survivor stories: lungcancerinitiative.org/stories-of-hope

✉️ Have a story to share? We'd love to hear from you. Comment below, send us a DM, or visit the link in our bio to learn how you can share your experience.

Your story could be the hope, encouragement, or connection someone else needs today.

With tomorrow, we're celebrating the strength, resilience, and hope of survivors everywhere.

Survivorship is not about having all the answers. It's about continuing forward — one step at a time — with courage, support, and hope. Wherever you are in your lung cancer journey, there is a place for you at LCI.

We invite you to connect with us. Whether you're a survivor, caregiver, family member, or advocate, we're here to walk alongside you. Send us a DM or click the link in our bio to learn more about our programs, resources, and community.

It's Men's Health Month — and there's real reason for hope.

Lung cancer death rates in men have been declining for decades, and annual low-dose CT screening can reduce mortality by another 20% in high risk individuals. 1 in 16 men will face a lung cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. Knowing your risk is the first step.

Download our free risk assessment to find out if you qualify for a lung screening — then talk to your healthcare provider about next steps.

See link in bio or visit screeningsaveslives.org to learn more.

We have some meaningful moments ahead for our survivor community — and we can’t wait to share them with you!

🗓️ Mark your calendars:
June 1 — Applications open for our Survivor Retreat happening September 18 at Camp La TeDa in Raleigh. A time to connect, reflect, and recharge together.
June 7 — Celebrate strength, hope, and survivorship with us on Survivors Day at MEZ in Durham!
June 9 — Join our Virtual Survivor Luncheon and connect with fellow survivors from wherever you are.

Whether you’re looking for community, encouragement, celebration, or support, there’s a place for you here.

Visit lungcancerinitiative.org/events for details and registration.

Questions? Drop us a DM — we’d love to connect!

Which event are you most excited about? Tell us in the comments below, and be sure to share this with a survivor in your life.

Today on Clinical Trials Day, we recognize the patients, researchers, and healthcare teams who are helping advance the future of lung cancer treatment.

Clinical trials play a critical role in improving prevention, detection, and treatment options—and today’s standard treatments exist because patients chose to participate in research studies.

To help patients and families take the next step, our website also includes a clinical trial search tool to explore available studies.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with lung cancer, talk with your care team about whether a clinical trial may be right for you.

Learn more at the link in our bio.

What an incredible day at the 14th Annual Charlotte LUNGe Forward 5K Run, Walk & Celebration! 💙

Thanks to our amazing participants, survivors, volunteers, sponsors, committee, staff and the Charlotte lung cancer community, we surpassed our goal and have raised more than $130,000 (and counting!) — the most ever raised for this event in support of lung cancer research, awareness and patient support programs.

Thank you for making this event such a success and for helping us move the mission forward together.

You can view race times, top teams and more at charlotte.lungeforward.org. Event photos will be uploaded to our page soon, so be sure to follow us to stay up to date on upcoming events, photos and more!

At 49, a routine scan changed everything. Less than 7 months after lung cancer surgery, Zhanna ran her first 5K—and placed second in her age group. Her story is one of resilience, recovery, and refusing to give up. Read her inspiring journey at the link in our bio or visit https://bit.ly/ZhannasStory

Last Thursday, we gathered at the Washington Duke Inn and Golf Club for an evening of education, connection, and hope at our Understanding Your Lung Cancer Diagnosis community event. Attendees heard the latest updates in small cell and non-small cell lung cancer, an inspiring survivor story from Joy Henderson, and took part in an engaging and informative Q&A panel discussion.

A heartfelt thank you to our incredible speakers from Duke Cancer Institute — Drs. Alder, Ready, and Bevers — for sharing their expertise and compassion, and to Joy for courageously sharing her journey and reminding us all of the power of hope and resilience.

We are grateful to everyone who joined us for this meaningful evening of learning and support. If you missed it, replays of the talks will be available on our YouTube channel soon. Together, we continue moving forward with knowledge, community, and hope.

🚨 ONE WEEK TO GO! 🚨

The 14th Annual Charlotte LUNGe Forward is happening next Saturday, May 16 at McAlpine Creek Park — and there’s still time to join us!

Sign up today at Charlotte.LUNGeForward.org and get ready for a day of celebration, hope and support!

📍 REMINDER: Packet Pick-Up is Friday, May 15 from 3–6 p.m. at Run For Your Life. Save time on race day by grabbing your shirt and bib early! Picking up for your team? Send us a DM and we’ll have your items ready to go.

Huge thank you to our sponsors and community supporters for helping make this event possible. Help us spread the word and let’s make this year the biggest and best yet!

Thanks to our incredible sponsors and community partners: