Every Lung Cancer Journey is Unique: American Lung Association Campaign Helps People Find Trusted Information

CHICAGO, Oct. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Lung cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United Sates and remains the leading cause of cancer death. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) represents approximately 80% of all cases. In the U.S., more than 229,000 people are expected to be diagnosed with lung cancer in 2026, which translates to more than 600 new diagnoses each day. Advances in biomarker testing, precision medicine, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy are helping improve survival rates and quality of life for people living with NSCLC, so the American Lung Association is expanding trusted resources for every person's unique cancer journey through its BEAT Lung Cancer initiative.

"While lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths among both women and men, over the past five years, the survival rate has increased significantly to nearly 30%. Advancements in research, early detection and comprehensive biomarker testing are critical to helping people live longer after a lung cancer diagnosis," said Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association. "However, these advancements are only beneficial if a person has access to healthcare and the resources they need to make the best decisions about their care and treatment."

The goal of the Lung Association's BEAT Lung Cancer initiative is to educate people who are newly diagnosed with lung cancer about the importance of biomarker testing and targeted treatments by providing tailored resources to help them find important and trusted information in one place. This year's campaign provides new materials that are tailored for each person's unique journey:

• Lung Cancer Biomarker FAQs: This new comprehensive resource helps a person navigate common questions about biomarker testing, why it is so important, and how to speak with their physician about the testing options.
• Breakdown of the Biomarkers: The new website section breaks down 12 actionable lung cancer biomarkers. Each page includes information on how to get tested, what the results mean, and how to navigate next steps. Many have short explainer videos for easily understanding the information.
• "Find Your Path:" The newly developed web tool is designed to help individuals at key points along the lung cancer journey, including those who may be eligible for lung cancer screening, are undergoing diagnostic testing after an abnormal finding, or have been diagnosed with lung cancer. Through a brief series of questions, the tool connects users in less than 30 seconds to personalized, patient-friendly webpages with resources on screening, diagnosis, biomarker testing, and treatment options tailored to their needs.

Biomarker testing, sometimes called molecular or genomic testing, is when a healthcare provider tests a person's tumor for DNA and levels of specific proteins. If doctors know exactly what causes the tumor to grow, a person may be able to go on a targeted therapy that can slow tumor growth or shrink the tumor. Testing can also show levels of an important protein called PD-L1 which may help predict if a patient would benefit from immunotherapy.

Unfortunately, biomarker testing is often underutilized. A study found that 23% of people diagnosed with lung cancer received chemo and radiation therapy before they had received full biomarker testing, leading to potentially unnecessary treatment and time lost. People aren't getting biomarker testing due to multiple barriers, such as lack of awareness of the test and insurance coverage gaps.

These resources were developed as a part of the Lung Association's Biomarker Education and Awareness for Testing (BEAT) Lung Cancer initiative, which works to educate people about biomarker testing and treatment advances to help people with lung cancer live longer, happier lives. The BEAT Lung Cancer initiative is supported by Eli Lilly, Merck and AstraZeneca. The campaign works to:

• Raise awareness among all individuals with lung cancer and their families, as well as communities most impacted, about the availability and importance of lung cancer screening and biomarker testing;
• Provide free support through Lung Health Navigators to guide people throughout the entirety of their journey with lung cancer to address barriers lung cancer screening and biomarker testing, and
• Educate individuals being diagnosed with lung cancer on how to speak with their doctor about biomarker testing.

Learn more at Lung.org/beat-lung-cancer.

About the American Lung Association
The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy and research. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to champion clean air for all; to improve the quality of life for those with lung disease and their families; and to create a tobacco-free future. For more information about the American Lung Association, a holder of the coveted 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and a Gold-Level GuideStar Member, or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org.

CONTACT: Jill Dale | American Lung Association
P: 312-940-7001E: [email protected]

SOURCE American Lung Association