Hope With Answers: Living With Lung Cancer

Three years after her small cell lung cancer diagnosis, patient advocate Wendy Brooks sits down with Dr. Ashish Saxena, medical oncologist at Weill Cornell Medicine, to talk about the rapid changes transforming SCLC care. From immunotherapy and bispecific T-cell engagers to emerging targeted therapies, this episode unpacks what every patient should know about today's treatment landscape. You'll learn why clinical trials are NOT a last resort, why you should ask about them at your very first appointment, and how to advocate for yourself through side effects and treatment decisions. Dr. Saxena also explains the evolving role of biomarker testing in small cell lung cancer and shares why he's more hopeful than ever about patient outcomes. Whether you're newly diagnosed, a long-term survivor, or a caregiver, this conversation delivers honest answers and real hope. Guests: Dr. Ashish Saxena, Medical Oncologist, Weill Cornell Medicine Wendy Brooks, Patient Co-Host, Living with Small Cell Lung Cancer Show Notes: https://lcfamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/LCFA-SCLC-Clinical-Trials-Long-Term-Outlook-Show-Notes.pdf  Transcript: https://lcfamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/LCFA-HWA-SCLC-Clinical-Trials-Transcript.pdf  Video: https://youtu.be/RCwJvdcOS-4  For more information, visit lcfamerica.org.

What is an EGFR mutation — and could you pass it down to your children? Patient advocate Lysa Buonanno asks the questions every EGFR-positive lung cancer patient wants answered. Dr. Alice Berger, a lung cancer researcher at Fred Hutch Cancer Center, explains how EGFR mutations develop, why they are rarely inherited, and what targeted treatments — including exciting new FDA-approved options — mean for patients today. Whether you are newly diagnosed or supporting a loved one, this conversation will help you understand your biomarker results, know what to ask your doctor, and feel empowered by the science moving forward on your behalf. Topics covered: · What EGFR mutations are and how they develop · Whether EGFR mutations can be passed to children · The role of family history and genetic testing · Risk factors including radon, pollution, and smoking · Targeted therapies like osimertinib (Tagrisso) · New FDA-approved treatments for EGFR exon 20 mutations · Ongoing research into hereditary lung cancer risk Guests:  Lysa Buonanno, Patient Advocate Dr. Alice Berger, Associate Professor, Fred Hutch Cancer Center Show Notes - https://lcfamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/LCFA-EGFR-Positive-Lung-Cancer-Show-Notes.pdf  Transcript - https://lcfamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/LCFA-HWA-EGFR-Positive-Lung-Cancer-Transcript.pdf  Watch Video - https://youtu.be/izHAxxwZVL4  Subscribe to Hope With Answers: Living With Lung Cancer podcast for future episodes on your favorite listening platform. Join LCFA's social media communities for support and information. Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

Clinical trials can feel intimidating, but they are one of the most important ways new lung cancer treatments become available to patients. In this episode of Hope With Answers: Living With Lung Cancer, patient advocate Wendy Brooks sits down with Dr. Ashish Saxena, thoracic medical oncologist at Weill Cornell Medicine, to break down what clinical trials really are and why they matter. Together, they discuss when patients should ask about clinical trials, what to expect when participating, and common misconceptions — including the fear of being a “guinea pig.” Dr. Saxena explains how clinical trials are carefully designed, closely monitored, and often provide access to promising new therapies earlier in the treatment journey. You’ll learn: What clinical trials are and how they workWhy timing matters and why you should ask earlyWhat patients actually receive in a clinical trialHow clinical trials are improving outcomes in lung cancerWhat questions to ask your doctor Whether you’re newly diagnosed or exploring your options, this conversation offers clear, practical insight to help you better understand clinical trials and your role in the decision-making process. Show Notes: https://lcfamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/LCFA-HWA-Clinical-Trials-Show-Notes-2026Spring.pdf  Transcript: https://lcfamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/LCFA-HWA-Clinical-Trials-Transcript-2026Spring.pdf  Watch Video: https://youtu.be/kBfh8EAGey8  To learn more about clinical trials and download the free toolkit, visit https://lcfamerica.org/trials.

If you've heard the term "SubQ" at your oncology appointment and weren't sure what it meant, this episode is for you. Lung cancer patient and LCFA Speakers Bureau member Stephanie Williams sits down with Dr. Coral Olazagasti, medical oncologist at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in Miami, to break down what subcutaneous (SubQ) treatment really means — and why it's making a real difference in the daily lives of lung cancer patients. Together, they explore how SubQ injections work, how they compare to traditional IV infusions, and the quality-of-life benefits patients are experiencing: shorter clinic visits, no IV access required, less anxiety, and more time back in their day. Dr. Olazagasti also shares the exact questions patients should be asking their doctors to find out if a SubQ option is available for their treatment. Whether you're newly diagnosed or years into treatment, this conversation is a reminder that you have more options than you may realize — and that asking questions is always the right move. To learn more about SubqQ and download the free toolkit, visit https://lcfamerica.org/subq. Show Notes: https://lcfamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/LCFA-HWA-What-Is-SubQ_-Show-Notes.pdf   Transcript: https://lcfamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/LCFA-HWA-Subq-Treatments-Transcript.pdf   Watch Video: https://youtu.be/aQwv_ODlXs4    Subscribe to the Hope With Answers: Living With Lung Cancer podcast for future episodes on your favorite listening platform. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeart Join LCFA's social media communities for support and information. Facebook | Twitter/X | Instagram | YouTube

Lung cancer screening is one of the simplest tools available in cancer care, yet it remains widely underused. A low-dose CT scan takes just a few minutes and can detect lung cancer at its earliest and most treatable stages. Jim Pantelas is a Navy Veteran and a 20 plus year lung cancer survivor. He was diagnosed with stage 3B lung cancer at age 52, back when lung cancer screening was not available. Today, he is joining Dr. Drew Moghanaki, a thoracic oncology leader and VA physician, to deliver a clear message to Veterans and anyone with a smoking history. Get screened. Every year. Key Topics Discussed: How lung cancer can grow with no symptoms until it is advanced Why Veterans may face higher risk from airborne hazards and toxic exposures What screening is like and why it takes less than three minutes Why annual screening matters, not just one scan How early detection expands treatment options and improves outcomes How to access screening through the VA or through civilian healthcare Why screening is covered and cost should not stop you Featured Guests: Jim Pantelas, Navy Veteran, 20 plus Year Lung Cancer Survivor Dr. Drew Moghanaki, UCLA and VA Thoracic Oncology Leader Key Takeaway: Lung cancer is curable when caught early. If you are eligible, start screening at 50 and go every year. Resources mentioned in this episode: PACT Act Benefits and Eligibility: https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/ VA Lung Cancer Screening: https://www.prevention.va.gov/preventing_diseases/screening_for_lung_cancer.asp Airborne Hazards and Burn Pit Registry: https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/burnpits/registry.asp LCFA Screening Information: https://lcfamerica.org/about-lung-cancer/detection/screening/  Show Notes | Transcript | Watch Video Hashtags: #LungCancer #VeteransHealth #CancerScreening #EarlyDetection #VAHealthcare #PACTAct #HopeWithAnswers #LCFA

Our nation's Veterans are on the front lines of a new fight: advocating for lung cancer screening and powering the next wave of research using blood tests to screen for lung cancer. Air Force and Navy Veteran Donnita Butler shares how a simple low-dose CT scan saved her life after she advocated for screening despite initial pushback. Alongside Dr. Drew Moghanaki, a leading expert in Veterans' lung cancer care, they reveal how today's VA screening programs are catching cancer early when it's most curable—and how thousands of Veterans are donating blood to help develop tomorrow's breakthrough detection methods. Key Topics Discussed: Why Veterans face higher lung cancer risk due to toxic exposures (asbestos, burn pits, Agent Orange)How the VA's new screening policy is saving lives by systematically identifying at-risk VeteransThe simple 3-minute screening process that can catch lung cancer at its earliest, most curable stageExciting research on blood-based biomarker tests that could detect cancer even before it shows on scansHow Veterans can access screening through the PACT Act and VA healthcareThe importance of biomarker testing and clinical trials in personalized treatment Featured Guests: Donnita Butler: Air Force and Navy Veteran diagnosed with stage 1A lung cancer through screening, now thriving at 70 Dr. Drew Moghanaki: Veterans Health Administration lung cancer specialist leading screening initiatives and biomarker research Key Takeaway: Lung cancer is curable if caught early. If you're a Veteran over 50 with a smoking history, talk to your doctor about screening today. As Dr. Moghanaki says: "Leave no one behind." Show Notes | Transcript | Watch Video Veteran Resources Mentioned in This Episode: PACT Act Benefits & Eligibility - Expanded VA health care & benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances. https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/ VA Lung Cancer Screening (Free LDCT Screening for Eligible Veterans) Learn more and talk to your VA provider: https://www.prevention.va.gov/preventing_diseases/screening_for_lung_cancer.aspAirborne Hazards & Burn Pit Registry Document deployment exposures and stay informed about related health concerns. https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/burnpits/registry.asp Subscribe to Hope With Answers Living With Lung Cancer for more inspiring stories and breakthrough research updates. Apple Podcast | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeart Join LCFA's social media communities for support and information. Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube #LungCancer #VeteransHealth #CancerScreening #EarlyDetection #VAHealthcare #PACTAct #ClinicalTrials #BiomarkerTesting #HopeWithAnswers #LCFA

Small cell lung cancer was once considered one of the most challenging diagnoses in oncology. But today, groundbreaking treatments are transforming patient outcomes and rewriting survival stories. Discover how immunotherapy, T-cell engagers, CAR T-cell therapy, and antibody drug conjugates are moving from clinical trials to standard care, offering patients years of disease control and genuine hope for the future. Featuring insights from Dr. Jacob Sands, thoracic oncologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and inspiring patient advocate Wendy Brooks, who shares her powerful journey from early detection through cutting-edge clinical trials, proving that advocacy and hope can change everything. Guests: Dr. Jacob Sands, Oncologist, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Courtney Mantz, Program Manager II, SCLC Program, Dr. Sands’ Assistant. Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Lowe Center for Thoracic Oncology Wendy Brooks, Patient AdvocateShow Notes | Transcript | Watch Video

Early detection of lung cancer can save lives. In this essential episode, two-time survivor and LCFA co-founder David Sturges shares how screening helped him beat lung cancer—twice. Joined by Dr. Denise Aberle and LCFA-funded researcher Dr. Kellie Smith, this episode dives into why lung cancer is often diagnosed late, what new screening methods can do to change that, and what the future of early treatment might look like. Guests David Sturges, Lung Cancer Survivor & LCFA Co-founder  Dr. Denise Aberle, Thoracic Radiologist, UCLA Medical Center Kellie Smith, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University & LCFA Early Career ResearcherShow Notes | Transcript  

Shining a light on the caregiving journey for lung cancer patients, Dr. Allison Applebaum, founder of the Caregiver’s Clinic at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and caregiver Gail Fackler, along with her husband, Jim, speak candidly about the mental health challenges caregivers face, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD. The conversation covers the overwhelming realities of caregiving, from managing medical decisions to coping with guilt and loss of identity. Gail and Jim share raw, honest stories about how caregiving has transformed their lives and relationships. Practical strategies for caregivers—such as task management, setting boundaries, and finding support networks—offer hope and guidance. Learn more about the  critical importance of mental health support for caregivers and the power of community in navigating this journey. Guests Dr. Allison Applebaum, Founding Director, Caregiver’s Clinic, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Gail and Jim Fackler, Lung Cancer Caregivers and Patient   Show Notes | Transcript | Watch Video

In this special re-release of Hope With Answers, lung cancer advocate Jill Feldman tackles a challenge that most patients never see coming—stigma. Originally aired in January 2020, this candid and emotional episode sheds light on the damaging assumptions patients face and how words can wound, even when well-intentioned. From doctors and friends to complete strangers, the first question many patients hear is: “Did you smoke?” It's a question that implies blame—and lung cancer survivors like Jill Feldman have heard it far too often. In this episode, Jill teams up with journalist Steven Petrow to unpack the emotional toll of these encounters and offer advice on how to respond with grace and strength. You'll also hear from Dr. Alice Berger, a lung cancer researcher investigating why young, non-smoking women are increasingly being diagnosed with lung cancer. Her work helps shift public perception and challenges outdated assumptions about who gets lung cancer—and why. This episode explores: The real impact of stigma on lung cancer patientsHow language shapes the patient experienceWhat not to say to someone with lung cancerHow empathy and civility can reshape conversationsGroundbreaking research on lung cancer in non-smokers Whether you're a patient, caregiver, or advocate, this episode will change the way you think—and talk—about lung cancer. Show Notes  

Originally aired in May 2020, this final episode of The First 7 Days podcast series provides newly diagnosed lung cancer patients with crucial guidance on developing a personalized treatment plan. Building on the foundations established in previous episodes about finding the right medical team and understanding diagnostic testing, this concluding installment helps transform overwhelming information into actionable steps forward. The landscape of lung cancer treatment has evolved dramatically, extending far beyond traditional chemotherapy. This episode navigates the expanding array of treatment options, including surgery, radiation therapy, targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and combination approaches. Listeners will learn how biomarker testing influences treatment selection and understand the potential role of clinical trials in their care plan. Featured thoracic oncologists and patient advocates share valuable insights about: How treatment decisions are madeKey factors influencing treatment selectionThe role of biomarker testing in personalizing treatmentWhen to seek second opinionsStrategies for coordinating care across medical teams While focused on the initial weeks after diagnosis, this episode sets the stage for long-term cancer management by providing practical tools and resources for ongoing decision-making. Gain confidence in working collaboratively with your healthcare team while advocating for your needs throughout the treatment journey. Guests Dr. David Carbone, Oncologist at The Ohio State UniversityTranscript | Show Notes | Watch video Resources Download the First 7 Steps to share.Subscribe to Hope With Answers Living With Lung Cancer podcast for future episodes on your favorite listening platform. Apple Podcast | Spotify | Amazon Play | iHeartJoin LCFA’s social media communities for support and information. Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

A lung cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but getting a second opinion could be a game-changer in your treatment journey. In this episode of the Hope With Answers: Living With Lung Cancer podcast, thoracic oncologist Dr. David Carbone, along with lung cancer survivors and advocates, discusses why seeking a second opinion—especially from a specialist at a university-based center—can provide access to cutting-edge treatments and clinical trials. Lung cancer advocates share their personal experiences, emphasizing the importance of self-advocacy and finding a doctor who values additional insights. A second opinion isn’t about doubting your doctor—it’s about ensuring you have all the information needed to make the best decision for your health. Tune in to learn why a second opinion could open new doors in your lung cancer treatment plan. The First 7 Steps downloadableTranscript | Show Notes  

Just diagnosed with lung cancer? In this essential episode, thoracic oncologist Dr. David Carbone and lung cancer survivors share why you have time to breathe, gather information, and make informed decisions about your treatment journey. Transcript | Show Notes  Originally released in May 2020 as part of The First 7 Days series, this timeless episode of the Hope with Answers Living with Lung Cancer Podcast remains an essential resource for anyone facing a lung cancer diagnosis. While treatment options continue to advance rapidly, the fundamental guidance shared in "The First 7 Days" about taking time to gather information, seeking appropriate testing, and finding the right medical team is as crucial today as it was when first aired.     

As we wrap up 2024, LCFA's Hope With Answers host Mitch Jelniker presents our most downloaded episode of the year, featuring a transformative conversation about palliative care in the lung cancer journey. Dr. Sherri Cervantez, Director of Palliative Oncology at UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center, joins lung cancer survivor Sally Cain for an enlightening discussion that changed how thousands view palliative care. Sally shares her unique perspective as both a Stage 4 lung cancer patient benefiting from palliative care and as someone who witnessed her late husband's journey without these vital services. Key Highlights from Our Most Popular 2024 Episode Debunking common myths about palliative care vs. hospice careHow early palliative care can transform your lung cancer journeyReal-world success stories of improved quality of lifeExpert insights on building your optimal care teamPractical guidance on accessing and maximizing palliative care servicesInsurance coverage and advocacy tips This standout episode resonated deeply with our audience by addressing a critical yet often overlooked component of comprehensive lung cancer care. Whether you're a patient, caregiver, or healthcare provider, this discussion offers valuable insights into maximizing quality of life during treatment. As LCFA prepares for an exciting 2025, we invite you to revisit this impactful conversation that continues to help patients and families better understand how palliative care can be a powerful ally in their lung cancer journey.   Show Notes | Transcript | Watch Video  Originally Published on: 2024-05-23   Resources: Understanding Palliative CareWhat is Palliative Care?Palliative Care & Lung Cancer

In this foundational episode released in December 2019, lung cancer survivor Lysa Buonanno shares critical insights about navigating a lung cancer diagnosis. Her journey, which began at age 40 with persistent back pain, highlights the importance of comprehensive testing and informed decision-making in lung cancer treatment. Today, more than 12 years after her initial diagnosis, Lysa continues to live with lung cancer. Her story, along with the expert perspectives from Dr. Carbone and Kim Norris, illustrates both the challenges of living with lung cancer and the hope offered by advancing research and treatment options. This episode remains relevant today, offering essential guidance for patients and families while highlighting LCFA's vital role in supporting research for new treatment options. Show Notes | Transcript

Most Downloaded Episode: From COVID Test to Lung Cancer Diagnosis Join host Mitch Jelniker as we revisit our most popular Hope With Answers episode featuring Annabelle Gurwitch - actress, author, and unexpected lung cancer advocate. What started as a routine COVID test in 2020 led to a shocking stage IV lung cancer diagnosis for this never-smoker. With her signature wit, Annabelle shares how her tumor ("the size of a Clementine") changed everything. Despite being physically active and healthy except for a slight cough, she joined the growing number of never-smoker women facing lung cancer. Thanks to advances in targeted therapy for her EGFR mutation, Annabelle maintains an active life while advocating for crucial lung cancer research. "I get to have the life I'm having right now because of the drugs that were developed in the last five years," she says, highlighting how research funding directly impacts patient survival and quality of life. Listen as Annabelle brings humor and hope to a serious subject, demonstrating why this episode resonates with so many in the lung cancer community.   View Show Notes | Transcription

Delve into the world of adjuvant therapy for lung cancer patients through insightful discussions with Dr. Jonathan Villena-Vargas, an assistant professor of cardiothoracic surgery, and Lisa Goldman, a long-term lung cancer survivor and advocate. Dr. Villena-Vargas provides a comprehensive overview of adjuvant therapy, explaining its role in preventing cancer recurrence after primary treatment. He clarifies the differences between neoadjuvant, adjuvant, and peri-adjuvant therapies, and discusses how treatment decisions are made based on cancer stage and type. The doctor emphasizes the importance of understanding one's specific diagnosis and asking the right questions about biomarkers and treatment options. Lisa Goldman shares her personal journey with stage 4 lung cancer, diagnosed in 2014. Her story highlights the rapid advancements in lung cancer treatment over the past decade, from her initial aggressive chemotherapy to long-term targeted therapy. Lisa's experience underscores the critical role of research in extending and improving the lives of lung cancer patients. This episode offers a balanced mix of expert medical insight and personal experience, making complex medical concepts accessible to a general audience. It serves as an invaluable resource for those navigating the challenges of lung cancer diagnosis and treatment, highlighting the significant progress made in recent years and the reasons for hope in the fight against this disease. Guests Jonathan Villena-Vargas, MD Dr. Villena-Vargas is a clinician at Weill Cornell Medical Center, with particular expertise in the surgical management of lung cancer. He has written numerous clinical publications about screening, staging, and the management of thoracic cancers. Lisa Goldman, Patient-Advocate Diagnosed in 2014 with urgent stage 4 lung cancer, Lisa received immediate chemotherapy. She later co-founded The ROS1ders, a Facebook advocacy group for lung cancer patients. Show Notes | Transcript | Watch video  

Explore the remarkable small cell lung cancer treatment advancements that offer renewed hope to patients and their loved ones. Dr. Jacob Sands, a leading oncologist from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Maida Mangiameli, a small cell lung cancer survivor, share their expertise and experiences, providing a unique perspective on the latest breakthroughs in small cell lung cancer treatment. Dr. Sands explains the differences between small cell and non-small cell lung cancer, emphasizing the aggressive nature of small cell lung cancer and the importance of early detection through lung screening. He highlights the significant progress made in lung cancer treatments, particularly the introduction of immunotherapy drugs as a standard of care in the first-line setting, leading to long-term disease control and potential cures for some patients. The conversation shifts to the promising T-cell engager therapy, a novel approach that harnesses the immune system to target and destroy cancer cells. Dr. Sands uses a baseball analogy to illustrate the effectiveness of different treatments, suggesting that T-cell engagers may be hitting home runs more frequently, offering hope for longer-lasting responses with fewer side effects. Maida Mangiameli shares her personal journey with small cell lung cancer, emphasizing the importance of a supportive oncology team and not blaming oneself for the disease. She addresses the stigma associated with lung cancer and the need for increased awareness and empathy. Both Dr. Sands and Maida stress the significance of clinical trials in advancing small cell lung cancer treatment and encourage patients to discuss trial options with their doctors. They also touch on the importance of lung cancer screening for early detection, with Maida offering practical advice for newly diagnosed patients. The small cell lung cancer treatment advancements, particularly the emergence of T-cell engager therapy, provide tangible reasons for patients and their loved ones to remain hopeful, offering the promise of longer, healthier lives for those affected by this challenging disease. Show Notes | Transcript | Watch Video  

Palliative care is an approach that improves the quality of life of patients and their families facing life-threatening illness. A team of doctors, nurses, social workers, and other specialists work with a patient’s existing physicians to provide an extra layer of support and specialized care. Palliative care aims to alleviate suffering, nurture comfort, and promote understanding for people living with lung cancer. It is a holistic and compassionate care designed to relieve symptoms, pain, and stress. Guests Sherri Cervantez, MD, Director of Palliative Oncology, UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center Sally Cain was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer in May 2022 after experiencing a nagging pain in her right side. Sally has experienced great support from her Palliative Care team in Texas. Her husband died a year before, and regrettably, he did not have a palliative care team. Show Notes | Transcript | Watch Video    Resources Understanding Palliative CareWhat is Palliative Care?Palliative Care & Lung Cancer

Cada año, alrededor de 6.000 hombres hispanos y 5.800 mujeres hispanas serán diagnosticados con cáncer de pulmón. El cáncer de pulmón es la principal causa de muerte por cáncer entre los hombres hispanos y la segunda causa entre las mujeres hispanas. Por eso la detección temprana es fundamental. El Dr. Jonathan Villena-Vargas, un reconocido experto en cáncer de pulmón, y Yovana María Portillo, una sobreviviente de cáncer de pulmón, se reúnen en este podcast informativo para compartir sus ideas y experiencias, ofreciendo esperanza y orientación a los pacientes y sus familias, en particular a aquellos en el Comunidad hispana. Discuten la definición y los tipos de cáncer de pulmón, enfatizando que cualquier persona con pulmones puede desarrollar la enfermedad, no solo los fumadores. La historia personal de Yovana como nunca fumadora diagnosticada a los 35 años resalta la importancia de la detección temprana y una mayor conciencia de los factores de riesgo más allá del tabaquismo. El podcast explora los últimos avances en opciones de tratamiento, incluida la cirugía, la quimioterapia, la radiación, las terapias dirigidas, la inmunoterapia y la terapia combinada, que se adaptan al tipo y estadio específico del cáncer de pulmón de cada paciente. Yovana comparte su viaje a través de la abrumadora experiencia de un diagnóstico de cáncer de pulmón, aprendiendo nueva terminología médica y tomando decisiones de tratamiento con su equipo médico, al mismo tiempo que arroja luz sobre los factores culturales que impactan la experiencia del cáncer de pulmón en las comunidades hispanas. Tanto la Dra. Villena-Vargas como Yovana enfatizan la importancia de desestigmatizar el cáncer de pulmón, promover la detección temprana mediante pruebas de detección y fomentar la comunicación abierta con los proveedores de atención médica. A lo largo del podcast, ofrecen una poderosa combinación de conocimientos médicos y experiencia personal, brindando a los pacientes conocimiento y esperanza, y trabajando incansablemente para mejorar los resultados y la calidad de vida de los afectados por el cáncer de pulmón. Invitados Jonathan Villena-Vargas, MD; Profesor asistente de cirugía cardiotorácica en el Hospital Presbiteriano de Nueva York, Weill Cornell Medicine Yovana María Portillo, defensora del paciente y Voz de la Esperanza: miembro de la Oficina de Oradores de la LCFA Mostrar notas | Transcripción | Ver video Recursos adicionales El impacto del cáncer de pulmón en la comunidad hispana | Instituto del Cáncer Rutgers de Nueva Jersey¿Cómo afecta el cáncer de pulmón a los latinos?Cómo detectar el cáncer de pulmón: detección temprana y más | LCFAEl cáncer y los hispanoamericanos | Oficina de Salud de las MinoríasHistoria del consumidor - Yovana Portillo – Accidentalmente libre de cáncer, programa de investigación del cáncer de pulmón, programas de investigación médica dirigidos por el Congreso

Discover empowering strategies for lung cancer caregiving in the Hope with Answers podcast. Gain insights from experts and a survivor's story on balancing care with self-care. This episode is a must-watch for any caregiver seeking guidance, support, and the strength to navigate their vital role with grace and resilience. Guests: Jenni Daniel, BSN, RN - Life Coach for lung cancer survivors and their partners, helping them to navigate their cancer journey. Jenni owns and operates the MyNurse At Home, a cancer and life coach center.  Frank and Debbie McKenna, Lung Cancer survivor joined by his wife/caregiver. Show Notes | Transcript | Watch video Numerous resources are available to assist both lung cancer patients and their caregivers in this journey. My Nurse At Home  What is a Lung Cancer Caregiver?Caring for Someone with Lung Cancer: What to KnowTaking Care of Yourself When You're a Cancer Caregiver | What You Need to KnowLung Cancer: Being a Better Caregiver   LCFA’s mission is the improvement in survivorship of lung cancer patients through the funding of transformative science. While raising funds to support lung cancer research, LCFA will raise the public’s awareness and serve as a resource for patients or anyone seeking answers, hope, and access to updated treatment information, scientific investigation, and clinical trials. You can also join the conversation with LCFA on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

Explore the critical role of biomarker testing in lung cancer treatment with Dr. Salman Punekar, Medical Oncologist at NYU Langone Health. Specializing in early-phase clinical development, Dr. Punekar explains the function of the biomarker STK11, a newer discovery shaping approaches to non-small cell lung cancer therapies.  Guests Salman R. Punekar, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine of Medical Oncology at NYU Langone Health. Specialization in early-phase clinical development and translational research. Stephanie Williams, Lung Cancer survivor and clinical trial participant Show Notes | Transcript | Watch Video Unlocking Treatment Pathways for Lung Cancer Highlighting the crucial role of biomarker testing in lung cancer, take an in-depth look at the function of STK11 as a tumor suppressor gene and its impact when mutated. Learn more about the latest research on the STK11 biomarker's influence on treatment strategies for non-small cell lung cancer from Dr. Salman Punekar. Dr. Punekar explains the function of STK11 as a tumor suppressor gene and its implications when mutated, affecting the efficacy of therapies like immunotherapy. STK11 is believed to negatively influence response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Then hear from Stephanie Williams, a lung cancer patient who underscores the life-changing impact of clinical trials, which informed her treatment and emphasized the importance of biomarker discovery. She shares why she advocates for patient education, the pursuit of clinical trials, and the need for ongoing research to improve lung cancer care.

In this Hope With Answers episode, host Diane Mulligan interviews Dr. Tejas Patil, an oncologist specializing in lung cancer, about ROS1-positive lung cancer. As Dr. Patil explains, "ROS1 is a type of mutation that we see in patients who have lung cancer. It's one of many but it's an important one because there is targeted treatments available to these patients that really are not like chemotherapy." A ROS1-positive lung cancer, also known as a ROS1 rearrangement in lung cancer, refers to any lung cancer that tests positive for a fusion in the ROS1 gene. ROS1 rearrangements occur in approximately 1-2% of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. ROS1-positive lung cancer tends to be aggressive and can spread to the brain and the bones. The hosts also speak with Lysa Buonanno, a 12-year lung cancer survivor and patient advocate living with ROS1-positive lung cancer. Lysa stresses the importance of self-advocacy.  "You have to keep advocating for yourself. Throughout this entire process I think that is so critically important."  She describes her excitement at being able to join a clinical trial for a new targeted therapy when her cancer progressed. Overall, the episode provides critical information about this rare form of lung cancer, highlights new research and treatments, and offers inspiration through Lysa's story. As Diane says, not only do Dr. Patil and Lysa help us understand ROS1 lung cancer, but they also give hope to anyone living with lung cancer. Guests Tejas Patil, MD, Assistant Professor, Medicine-Medical Oncology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus  Lysa Buonanno, Lung Cancer survivor, a mother of two, who has ROS1 mutation and is being treated with the targeted therapy. Show Notes | Transcript | Watch video

Sexual side effects of a lung cancer diagnosis can be physical, mental, and emotional. Sexuality is about emotional connection and the expression of intimacy. However, a lung cancer diagnosis can change the emotional needs of each partner. Further impacting the situation, sexual problems are not often discussed during oncology visits. And having a sex talk with your doctor may be intimidating. In this podcast, we undercover what lung cancer patients and their partners can expect and how to best discuss these issues with their health care professionals. Questions like: How does a lung cancer diagnosis impact intimacy in relationships?What are some of the physical side effects of lung cancer treatment that can affect intimacy?How does the emotional burden of a cancer diagnosis affect sexual desire and communication in relationships?Guests: Jenni Daniel, BSN, RN, Life Coach for lung cancer survivors and their partners, helping them to navigate their cancer journey. Jenni owns and operates the MyNurse At Home, a cancer and life coach center. Annabelle Gurwitch, Lung Cancer survivor, actress, activist, and best-selling author went for a Covid test and left with a stage 4 lung cancer diagnosis. Annabelle’s story of an accidental lung cancer diagnosis is a very common story among lung cancer patients. In Annabelle’s case, getting an accurate diagnosis indicates her biomarker, EGFR Exon21. Show Notes | Transcript | Watch Video

This episode of Hope With Answers: Living with Lung Cancer Podcast tackles the common misperception that all cancer patients fit the stereotype of being older, frail, chain-smokers. 60% of people living with lung cancer are never-smokers – who work hard to convince others, including their primary care physician, that despite their rather “normal”, vibrant appearance, they face a devastating disease. Host Diane Mulligan opens the episode by asking “What does someone living with lung cancer look like?” She and co-host Jordan Sherman go on to make the point that in reality, anyone with lungs can develop lung cancer, including young people and never-smokers. Guests Dr. David Carbone, The Ohio State University Aurora Lucas, a Lung Cancer survivor, was diagnosed with Stage 2A Lung Cancer at age 28. Transcript | Show Notes | Watch Video Doctors Need to Consider Lung Cancer Despite Patient's Age They first interview Dr. David Carbone, an oncologist at The Ohio State University, about the stigma around what a typical lung cancer patient looks like. Dr. Carbone stresses that “if you have lungs, you can get lung cancer” and that doctors need to consider lung cancer as a potential diagnosis even in young, healthy never-smokers who present with respiratory symptoms. Later in the episode, LCFA Speakers Bureau member Aurora Lucas shares her story of being diagnosed with lung cancer in her late twenties. She talks about the difficulty she initially had getting doctors to take her respiratory symptoms seriously: “The first thing after I told the doctor my concerns about coughing, he said, ‘Everything is okay. Go boil some water and add some honey to it.” And I think I left that office like, what? I just didn’t feel heard.” Fighting An Outdated Lung Cancer Stereotype After months of delays, Lucas was finally diagnosed with lung cancer. She now works to educate people that her experience is what lung cancer can look like today - not just the outdated stereotype. As Mulligan summarizes, appearance can be misleading when it comes to lung cancer. Modern targeted therapies allow many patients to live active lives and maintain normal appearances while battling the disease. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t facing challenges like side effects, scan anxiety, and other struggles behind the scenes. The takeaway is that anyone with lungs is at risk for lung cancer, regardless of age or smoking status. And just because patients may look well on the outside, doesn’t mean they aren’t fighting a serious diagnosis. LCFA aims to break down misperceptions around what having lung cancer means today.

Gain valuable insights into the critical importance of lung cancer screening for veterans in this enlightening episode of Hope With Answers Living With Lung Cancer. Explore the unique risks faced by those who have selflessly served our nation. Learn about the occupational hazards, such as asbestos exposure and burn pits, that contribute to the alarming rates of lung cancer among veterans. Delve into the benefits of low-dose CT scans, which can detect lung cancer at earlier stages, potentially leading to more effective treatment options. As LCFA’s Breath of Honor: Lung Cancer Screening for Veterans campaign kicks off, join a leading lung cancer specialist and a Navy veteran who is a lung cancer patient as they discuss the need for increased screening and the positive impact it can have on patient outcomes. Discover the curability of smaller tumors, less toxic treatment options, and the hope that lung cancer screening brings to veterans and their families. Guests Drew Moghanaki, MD, UCLA lung cancer specialist and Chief of Thoracic Oncology in the UCLA Department of Radiation Oncology, Co-Director of VA Lung Precision Oncology Program at the Greater Los Angeles VA Healthcare System Jim Pantelas, Navy Veteran, 18-year lung cancer survivor, who has worked for 15 years to increase funding for lung cancer research, improve care for all lung cancer patients, and fight the stigma associated with lung cancer. He is often on Capitol Hill lobbying to increase funding for lung cancer screening and early detection programs. Show Notes | Transcript | Video version “What I would tell vets is that if you’re breathing, you can get lung cancer. If you increase the odds of getting lung cancer, which smoking does, then you should be screened. But because you were in the service, you were exposed to toxins, because you were in the service, you were exposed to living in different parts of the country or the world that may have had toxins that you’re not aware of. Getting screened is a no-brainer.” – Jim Pantelas Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about the latest breakthroughs and the collaborative efforts being made to combat lung cancer among our nation’s heroes. Learn the answers to these questions: Why are veterans at a heightened risk for lung cancer?How many veterans are eligible for low-dose CT scans for lung cancer?What are some reasons for hesitancy among veterans to get screened for lung cancer?

Immunotherapy has revolutionized the therapy landscape of non-small cell lung cancer, significantly prolonging the overall survival of advanced-stage patients. We hear from both doctors and patients about the importance of Immunotherapy research. Dr. Smith will discuss her research advancements, thanks to LCFA funding, and what needs to be done for research in the future. In this inspiring Hope With Answers: Living With Lung Cancer episode, host Diane Mulligan sits down with Lysa Buonanno, a remarkable individual who has defied the odds and thrived while living with lung cancer. Lysa's story serves as a beacon of hope for others facing similar challenges, showcasing the power of research and the impact of donations in extending lives. Lysa, who has been on chemotherapy for five years, candidly shares her journey, acknowledging the difficult days but emphasizing the importance of living life to the fullest. She highlights the role of research in providing her with the opportunity to enjoy her life. And she encourages listeners to support lung cancer research, no matter the size of their donation. Lysa's message resonates deeply, reminding us that every dollar counts and contributes to future breakthroughs. Guests: Dr. Kellie Smith, Associate Professor of Oncology at the Bloomberg Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy at Johns Hopkins.  Lysa Buonanno is living with lung cancer and is a tireless advocate for Lung Cancer Foundation of America. Resources: Breakthroughs in Lung Cancer Detection & TreatmentLandscape of Immuno-Oncology Drug DevelopmentDr. Smith’s Research in Immunotherapy for lung cancerShow Notes | Transcript | View Video

Every donation made to LCFA impacts people living with lung cancer. In other words, the benefits that you, as an LCFA donor, have made in lung cancer research and education by supporting LCFA are significant and meaningful. Hear from Dr. Triparna Sen, a dedicated researcher in the field of lung cancer who demonstrates LCFA’s commitment to advancing the understanding and treatment of lung cancer. According to Dr. Sen, “With the progress of research, we are seeing a lot of more effective drugs entering the clinic. We have some really long-term survivors. We have five years, 10 years out survivors, who are doing an outstanding job advocating for research, advocating for what research can really do, how they can shift the needle. Guests: Dr. Triparna Sen is an Associate Professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City. James Hiter, LCFA Speaker’s Bureau member and the founder of a non-profit called Streak For a Cure. Show Notes | Transcript | View the video Why Donor-Driven Lung Cancer Research Matter James Hiter shares his personal experience with lung cancer and his tireless advocacy work that has made him a powerful voice for the lung cancer community. Through his involvement with LCFA and Streak For a Cure, he has helped to raise critical funds for lung cancer research. He’s dedicated to spreading awareness about the need for improved treatment options and support for patients and their families. James recognizes that he is the benefactor of people who had been there and done stuff before him. So it’s important to him to make sure that part of his legacy as a lung cancer survivor is that there will be advances that he may not even live to see that will benefit others that are diagnosed five or 10 years from now. As a patient consumer reviewer for the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program administered by the Department of Defense, James learned just how critical it is for young, smart scientists to get seed funding to open up doors that may otherwise stay shut. “Young investigator awards are so critical because it helps these people who have great ideas but are developing that track record that then ultimately will help them get the really big awards down the road that will help them take somethin' all the way to clinical trial. But you don't just jump right into a clinical trial, you've gotta build your accomplishment list to be able to get into that space, and it's one of the cool things I love about funding the Young Investigators.” James also learned that despite research mainly being government-funded or pharmaceutical company-funded, philanthropic funding is the rocket fuel for lung cancer research. It's one of the other reasons that James is very passionate about trying to raise money for lung cancer research. Young Investigators Make A Difference in Lung Cancer Research As Dr. Sen says so well, “If you want to make meaningful progress in the treatment landscape for lung cancer, we cannot do without research. And research cannot be done without your generous donations.” It's donor-driven lung cancer research agencies like Lung Cancer Foundation of America, who are not only changing the life of Young Investigators, they're actually pushing the needle forward for research. Donate to fund more Young Investigators

Doctors and researchers have known about a biomarker known as MTAP deletion for many years. But now they’re learning what role this gene plays in lung cancer and other tumors. Long ago, this genetic alteration was thought to be just collateral damage in tumors, but now researchers are uncovering its influence on tumors. It turns out there are some advantages for a tumor to have this MTAP gene loss. This new understanding means new medications can likely be developed to open a new weak point in the cancer to allow for targeted therapy.  Guest: Jordi Rodon Ahnert, MD, PhD, medical oncologist at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas.   Show Notes for this episode | Transcript | Watch the video podcast

El cáncer de pulmón de células pequeñas (CPCP) es una forma rara y agresiva de cáncer de pulmón. Los tratamientos tradicionales son una combinación de quimioterapia y radiación. Pero, gracias a los avances en la investigación del cáncer de pulmón, nuevas posibilidades de tratamiento están disponibles. Estos nuevos tratamientos están diseñados para prolongar la vida y ayudar a los pacientes a tener una mejor calidad de vida. Como dice Mari Casanova, paciente de CPCP: "No te puedo decir cuánto tiempo voy a durar, pero lo que si te puedo decir es cuánto tiempo he estado sana. Y han pasado tres años". Invitados: Dr. Christian Rolfo, Profesor de Medicina y Director Asociado de Investigación Clínica en el Centro de Oncología Torácica del Instituto de Cáncer Tisch. Mari Casanova, una mujer de Florida que vive con cáncer de pulmón de células pequeñas, síguela en Twitter. Notas del programa | Transcripción | Ver el vídeo Recursos adicionales Tratamientos para el cáncer de pulmón de células pequeñas: novedadesCáncer de pulmón de células pequeñas: lo que necesita saber

Los navegadores de pacientes pueden ayudar a entender sus opciones de tratamiento para el cáncer de pulmónUn navegador de pacientes ayuda a los pacientes a entender sus opciones de tratamiento para el cáncer de pulmón y la importancia de las últimas investigaciones y ensayos clínicos. Esto incluye asistir al paciente a través de la detección, el diagnóstico, el tratamiento y el seguimiento del cáncer de pulmón. INVITADOS:Estelamari Rodríguez, co-directora de oncología médica torácica en el Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center de la Universidad de MiamiGrisel Fernández-Vega Martínez, enfermera de enlace Grisel Fernández-Vega Martínez, enfermera de enlace Notas del episodio | Transcripción | Versión de vídeo   “Primero hay que hacer un diagnóstico correcto para entender las células y entender cómo tratarlas mejor. Y creo que para cualquier paciente que tenga un diagnóstico de cáncer tan grave, que otro centro médico evalúe la patología y haga recomendaciones, abre más puertas de opciones para el paciente. ” – Dra. Estela Marks Rodriguez  

In Part 2 of this Hope With Answers series on CBD, Cannabis, and Lung Cancer, we discuss the differences between CBD oil and hemp oil and what’s happening on the CBD clinical trials horizon. Once again, Jacquelyn Bainbridge, a clinical pharmacist at the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, joins us to talk about her clinical research, including work on cannabis clinical trials with hopes that CBD could help lung cancer patients. “CBD potentially, or has a potential, to alter the immune environment and stimulate a response. So where that may be helpful is in patients with non-small cell lung cancer because it seems to be more responsive to immunotherapy. So it might be more likely to help that population.” - Jacquelyn Brainbridge, PharmD, FCCP Guest: Jacquelyn Bainbridge, PharmD, FCCP: Clinical Pharmacist at the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical campus Show Notes | Watch the video | Transcript LCFA’s mission is the improvement in survivorship of lung cancer patients through the funding of transformative science. While raising funds to support lung cancer research, LCFA will raise the public’s awareness and serve as a resource for patients or anyone seeking answers, hope, and access to updated treatment information, scientific investigation, and clinical trials. You can also join the conversation with LCFA on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

Could CBD and/or cannabis help lung cancer patients? A clinical pharmacist at the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical campus talks about her work assisting neurology patients and her clinical research, including work on cannabis clinical trials. In this episode, Jacci Bainbridge, clinical pharmacist, answers questions about symptomatology of CBD & cannabis, the basics about the different forms of CBD/THC, and the importance of quality clinical trials for potential improvement in lung cancer treatments involving CBD or cannabis. Guest:Jacquelyn Bainbridge, Clinical Pharmacist at the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical campus Show Notes | Watch the Video Podcast | Transcript

Entendiendo los nuevos tratamientos para el cáncer de pulmón, incluyendo la inmunoterapia, que permite que su sistema inmunitario ataque las células cancerosas, es un gran avance para algunos pacientes. Sentirse seguro para pedirle a su médico que le haga pruebas para ver si la inmunoterapia o la terapia dirigida es un tratamiento apropiado es muy importante para todas las familias, pero especialmente para las familias latinas e hispanas que pueden sentirse incómodas al cuestionar a su médico. Considerando los ensayos clínicos en los que puede recibir el medicamento del mañana hoy también puede afectar significativamente los resultados del tratamiento de un paciente.Aprenda sobre la inmunología para el cáncer de pulmón y cómo este tratamiento permite que el sistema inmunitario de un paciente ataque sus células cancerosas. La Dra. Estelamari Rodríguez y la paciente Matilde Quintana hablan sobre cómo este tratamiento innovador es un gran avance para muchos pacientes con cáncer de pulmón.InvitadasDra. Estelamari Rodríguez, Co-Líder del Grupo de Enfermedades del Sitio Torácico en Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.Matilde Quintana fue diagnosticada en 2016 con cáncer de pulmón en estadio IV. Su diagnóstico actual es No Evidencia de Enfermedad (NED).Notas del Programa | Transcripción | Versión de vídeoAgradecida por el gran apoyo familiar y la influencia de sus raíces, Matilde quiere compartir su experiencia y sobre estos tratamientos que dan esperanza para combatir el cáncer de pulmón. Este conocimiento es especialmente necesario en las comunidades latinas e hispanas cuando se trata de importantes decisiones de atención médica, como pruebas de biomarcadores, tratamientos para el cáncer de pulmón y ensayos clínicos.

What is my biomarker?A newly diagnosed lung cancer patient should ask this question before starting treatment. Why? Because the answer to this question can change the odds and the choices for your personalized treatment plan, especially for Black or African American patients.Black and African Americans must ask their doctors, “What is my biomarker?” to ensure they receive the latest targeted therapy treatment that is applicable. Hear from Dr. Sydney Barned and Brandi Bryant in this episode as they discuss their care and what a difference it made in knowing their biomarkers. And maybe even more importantly, they are advocating that every black or African American should ask that question, “What is my biomarker?” There are more options for treating lung cancer and they want to make sure every black or African American patient, like everybody, else gains access to that full range of options.Why do Biomarkers matter in lung cancer treatment?Minority and underserved communities must advocate for themselves to get the best treatments, especially treatment that can increase the quality of their lives. Guest Dr. Osarogiagbon dives into not only the importance of asking, “what is my biomarker?”, but why it is essential that Black and African Americans make this question a priority. Thanks to lung cancer research, he’s really excited that lots of biomarkers have been discovered to help doctors split what used to be a single disease, into a disease of many different bits and of different sizes. Understanding biomarkers now allows doctors to predict how the cancer is going to behave. And then determine what treatment is most likely to benefit the patient, in terms of surviving lung cancer - and the quality of life, in response to cancer treatment. “So, you go from 4% to 6% five-year survival, to up to 60%, if you get the right treatment for right cancer. As with ALK mutated lung cancer, so with some of the other subsets, the EGFR mutated lung cancers, the ROS1 mutated lung cancers, the BRAFF mutated lung cancers, the MET exon 14 mutated lung cancer, all... There are at least nine subsets of biomarker-driven lung cancers, and that continues to change all the time. So, that's why it's vital that we get tested, so we know which treatment would benefit us.”- Dr. Raymond OsarogiagbonGuests:Dr. Sydney Barned, a hospitalist at Ann Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis, Maryland, a lung cancer patient, and a member of the LCFA Speakers BureauBrandi Bryant, a lung cancer patient, and a member of the LCFA Speakers BureauDr. Raymond Osarogiagbon, Chief Scientist for Baptist Memorial Health Care, Director of Baptist Cancer Center’s Multidisciplinary Thoracic Oncology Program and Thoracic Oncology Research Group, and Principal Investigator of Baptist’s Mid-South Minority-Underserved Consortium initiative, NCORP, in Memphis, TennesseeShow Notes | Transcript | Watch the videoResources:What Do I Need to Know About Biomarker Testing?National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Guidelines for Non-Small Cell Lung CancerWhat is a Liquid Biopsy for Lung Cancer?7 Signs of Lung Cancer You Should Know

There is so much hope in lung cancer today. But lung cancer is also inherently very complicated. And the process of getting to a treatment plan takes a lot of expertise, different members of a medical team, and lots of tests. And one way to make this process easier on patients and more efficient for doctors who are making those treatment plans is to use an expert called a patient or nurse navigator.GuestsCharity Holien, RN, a patient navigator with the University of Colorado Cancer CenterRoss Camidge, MD, PhD, Director of the Thoracic Oncology Clinical and Clinical Research Programs at University of Colorado Cancer CenterVideo Podcast on YouTube | TranscriptionResourcesA Lung Cancer Diagnosis: What’s NextThe First 7 Days podcast seriesWhat Do I Need to Know About Biomarker Testing? LCFA is a nonprofit dedicated to improving the survivorship of lung cancer patients by funding lung cancer research. Visit lcfamerica.org.

Un diagnóstico de cáncer de pulmón llegó de repente para Emma Pompeo. Pero afortunadamente, ella tenía dos cosas a su favor: apoyo de su familia cuando aprendió de su diagnóstico y encontró a un doctor en un centro de cáncer comprensivo que podía contestar sus preguntas en español para que ella y su familia pudieran entender toda la nueva información. Su doctor le explicó bien sobre los biomarcadores de cáncer de pulmón, organizó los exámenes requeridos, y dio buenas recomendaciones de otros doctores quienes ayudaron a formar su equipo de salud. Estos diálogos eran increíblemente importantes mientras ella aprendía el nuevo vocabulario que es parte del diagnóstico de cáncer de pulmón y del tratamiento apropiado.

For years, researchers knew different factors were causing lung cancer tumors to grow, but they didn't know why, or how to interrupt the process. Then, a group of lung cancer researchers discovered the EGFR biomarker, which opened the door for targeted therapies that were easier to take, more effective, and led to better patient outcomes than anything used before. Take this opportunity to hear from someone who had a part in discovering the first lung cancer biomarker. Learn more about the EGFR biomarker from Dr. Carbone – important information that every EGFR patient needs to know.GuestDr. David Carbone is a lung cancer clinician, researcher and specialist at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center. He’s been working on developing treatments for lung cancer for years, and played an important role in discovering the first targeted therapy aimed at the EGFR biomarker.Transcript | Video Podcast

Of all the emotions that come with a lung cancer diagnosis, a sense of being alone might be the toughest. How can you connect with people who understand exactly what you're going through? Hear from two people living with EGFR lung cancer who are creating connections among others with the same biomarker. Learn how sharing experiences, information, and understanding, is creating hope with answers for those in the EGFR biomarker community - while advocating for more lung cancer research.Guests:Jill Feldman, lung cancer patient/advocate, follow her on Twitter @jillfeldman4Ivy Elkins, lung cancer patient/advocate, follow her on Twitter @IvybelkinsPodcast TranscriptMeet patient advocates Jill Feldman and Ivy Elkins. They are working hard to level the playing field for people living with EGFR lung cancer by:making sure that everyone has access to the best treatments and informationbuilding a network of support for people living with the same type of lung cancer they have.Different Paths To Becoming Lung Cancer Biomarker BuddiesIn 2001, Jill got involved in lung cancer advocacy motivated as a caregiver to a family dealing with lung cancer. At this time the only distinctions doctors could make was whether you had small cell or non-small cell lung cancer. There were only three treatment options: chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation. That was the world that Jill’s parents faced when they were diagnosed. Jill’s dad died three months after he was diagnosed with lung cancer. Jill’s mom died six months after she was diagnosed.In 2009, 39-year old Jill, mother of four small kids, was diagnosed with stage one lung cancer. Her biggest fear was becoming a reality. There wasn't any promising research at the time to convince Jill that her path would be different from her parents. So more than a decade passed to discover this gene and then understand it, understand the biology of it and figure out how to treat it. In 2013, the first EGFR-specific targeted treatment was approved as first line therapy.“I mean, I had no idea that I could even be diagnosed with lung cancer. I didn't think I had any risk factors. I didn't know at that point what I know now, which is that anyone with lungs could get lung cancer.” - Ivy ElkinsIvy’s lung cancer diagnosis in November of 2013 arrived after months of chasing down neck and elbow pain issues.New Treatments Makes A Difference In Life ExpectancyThe discovery of different lung cancer mutations has made great research advances. As we learn more, we're seeing that really lung cancer is not one disease. There are very different treatments depending on the type that you have. And getting those treatments, getting the right treatment for the type of cancer you have, is life-saving. The discovery of the EGFR mutation and its sub-mutations have made a difference in Jill and Ivy’s lung cancer treatments.Now there are many more treatment possibilities for people who are living with lung cancer - and especially with the EGFR biomarker. Jill has been living with lung cancer for a long time. And Ivy has lived eight years since she was diagnosed.EGFR Resisters: Sharing Information and PowerOnline communities are so important for people to get support and gain education from each other. Some host events and webinars through the community. There's a lot of things that you can learn through being part of one of these patient communities, like information about new treatments and clinical trials. The online patient group EGFR Resisters is one of these ocogene communities.Ivy and Jill have been part of this force at EGFR Resisters - working in creating partnerships with other advocacy groups, with industry, with different organizations to come up with ways to accelerate research. Jill and Ivy want to see a world where everyone who is diagnosed with lung cancer has the same access and the same possibility for treatment as everyone else. EGFR Resisters online community reaches people who are not necessarily at a major academic medical centers. Their providers might not know about the latest treatments and clinical trials.Making Connection Aids ResearchYou can feel alone when diagnosed. Overwhelmed and not knowing the language and terminology. There's just no substitute for someone who knows exactly what you're going through. Meeting someone who understands what you're going through, whether it's someone close by or whether it's online through a patient group, like the EGFR Resisters, is just an incredible way to connect.“So it was tremendous to have someone to talk to who was also living with lung cancer. I also had young kids when I was diagnosed. And we talked about all kinds of things, including what to tell the kids, how to tell the kids, just everything.” - Ivy ElkinsFinding Silver Linings Through HumorMany people who have been diagnosed with cancer consider their diagnosis a gift. Maybe it has forced them to slow down and take a good look at their life. Or maybe a cancer diagnosis helps them to focus on beauty in nature. Whatever the reason, Jill says, “I do say I would've returned it a long time ago had it been a gift.”But, Jill does find that humor is a coping mechanism that allows her to “get the elephant out of the room.” And, with the humor breaking the ice, she finds that she can talk about her lung cancer diagnosis, what’s going on with her treatments, etc. without everything being frightening or negative.Jill uses what she calls “little jokes” to lighten the mood. One she uses often is: “I always shower and I always put on makeup and do my hair for my doctor's appointments because I want to look like I'm worth saving.”For both Ivy and Jill, the connection they have with their EGFR biomarker community helps combat the ups and downs of living with lung cancer. Finding others who know exactly what they’re going through is one of the silver linings through their lung cancer journey.Resources:What do I need to know about biomarker testing?Targeted therapies for lung cancer treatmentEGFR Resisters, a patient-driven community dedicated to improving the outcomes for those with EGFR positive lung cancer.

Lung cancer is a disease that affects people: family, friends, co-workers, neighbors. It's a disease that comes with in some stark figures about survival and research funding. But the numbers don't lie, and they also show the amazing strides being made against the disease: increasing survival rates, incredible strides in treatment options, and ever-growing ranks of researchers dedicating their professional careers to improving the odds for people living with lung cancer. Join us for this episode of Hope With Answers: Living With Lung Cancer, where we talk about hope, by the numbers.Guests:Kim Norris, Lung Cancer Foundation of America co-founder and presidentDr. Jessica Donington, professor of surgery at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of MedicineDr. Triparna Sen, an assistant attending at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer CenterKellie Smith, PhD, assistant professor of oncology at Johns Hopkins Medicine Show Notes | TranscriptBY THE NUMBERS: 20  The quickening pace of research the last 20 yearsTwenty years ago, the lung cancer treatments available were surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Then came the discovery of treatable lung cancer biomarkers. The discovery that each lung cancer tumor is unique opened up a whole new world of discovery. After that, immunotherapy opened up even more ways to treat different types of lung cancer. And for many people, living with lung cancer it has become more like managing a chronic disease rather than the usually fatal diagnosis it was just a handful of years ago.“... the entire landscape has changed for people diagnosed with lung cancer. I even wonder if my husband, who died 20 years ago, would still be alive if he had been able to take advantage of all the research that’s been happening in just the past five or ten years. We now know people living 8, 13, 15, and 19 years after diagnosis. And then we realized that these numbers are really powerful-- they’re not just black and white numbers, they’re people.“ - Kim NorrisBY THE NUMBERS: Double DutyLCFA Young Investigator Research Grants do double duty in the field of lung cancer research. Funding from foundations like the Lung Cancer Foundation of America is essential in building a pool of investigators. It takes a long time and a lot of money to go from a great idea and a bright star with a great mind to an NIH-funded investigator. But as Dr. Triparna Sen points out, these grants also help to train young investigators.“Like with this funding, we get postdocs and trainees and technicians into the lab. So we are essentially training the next generation of cancer investigators who will go on to become in independent investigators themselves. So you're not only just providing resource to advanced research, but you're also providing resource to train the next generation of cancer investigators. And I think that has a much more long term impact the next clinical trial. So I think overall, uh, the funding that I got from LCFA has been absolutely critical in developing me as a researcher. So thank you so much.”BY THE NUMBERS: 17LCFA has invested in 17 grants so far, and 10 of them have gone to women.Women in science face many challenges. When Dr. Donington got into lung cancer 15 years ago, it was a very male-dominated field in terms of the doctors who treated it and the researchers who performed the research. And I always believe that a group of physicians and researchers that matches their patients provides the best care.The Power Of The Patient Advocate VoiceWomen advocates are making a difference in lung cancer research as well. As Dr. Donington discusses, “Lung cancer for a long time has had a stigma issue as being seen as a male disease, with people who have smoked for 100 years. And it's just not, it's not that disease. And I think that our advocates which are very heavily female like a lot of cancer advocates are, have really done so much to change the face of lung cancer…. I think they do more to change lung cancer than even us as investigators.” Dr. Sen thinks that what the patient advocates do is they help bring system-wide issues to light that are required for clinical trial design for what is important for the actual patients who is the ultimate goal role for our researchers. And her goal is to work with patient advocates to make her scientific studies more relevant to the field, more timely, because she now understand by speaking to them the urgency of the situation, and so make it more timely.“And I think patient advocates play a very important role to help researchers learn like myself move discoveries towards clinical use, but do that in a more sort of not only timely fashion, but also help us design studies that are more relevant to clinical use.” - Dr. Triparna SenIn addition, patient advocates play an important role in bringing these disparities to light. Then these issues can be addressed by researchers and by clinicians and move them to incorporating equity in clinical trial.“I think so they play a very important role at multiple levels and LCFA has done an incredible job in connecting researchers to patient advocates.” - Dr. Triparna SenThe Pace of Research: Bench to Bedside“And I didn't think it was possible in my lifetime, but I suddenly think that, oh my gosh, we can double survival. We can get survival up to 25 and 30%. I feel like in a very short time, uh, with screening and the advancements in our current medications, it's just so possible. It's exciting.” - Dr. Jessica DoningtonThe time it takes for research to go from bench to bedside is getting faster all time. That’s the timeline: how long it takes for a discovery in the lab to make it to a patient who needs it. So, for example, when you're in a laboratory you hear about using mice and discoveries, but that's just in theory, then you have to bring it to the human and that takes time.“Bench to bedside has never been as fast as it is now in lung cancer. It is incredible. Things we never considered as little as five years ago are just commonplace now. It was very funny I was working with one of my colleagues and she said, "Oh, yeah, I don't treat one person the same way I did five years ago as a medical oncologist." And then I sat down and go, "Oh, you know what? I don't either." Like none of us do. So there's this whole synergy about the science too, as it advances in one area, it becomes easier to integrate it into others and it's really exciting.” - Dr. Jessica DoningtonResearch breakthroughs discovered five, six years ago are already in clinical trials.  So this bench to bedside medicine is a phenomenal thing to be a part of within the context of lung cancer.“As a PhD scientist, we very rarely see the fruits of our labor actually pan out in the clinic. I mean, it's very rare. But with lung cancer research, because it's moving at such a rapid pace, we are able to see these discoveries making their way into the clinic in an accelerated timeframe.” - Dr. Kellie SmithResearch = HopeThe goal of LCFA’s Young Investigator grant program is to attract the best and brightest minds into lung cancer research early in their careers. This LCFA grant is big enough that they can set up their labs and gather that first big collection of data.Then, they can use this data to apply for even larger grants that may one day lead to clinical trials and hopefully new treatments.BY THE NUMBERS: Investment in Grants $200,000 >> $4 MillionKellie Smith is a shining example of LCFA’s mission. Using her LCFA grants, she was generated preliminary data, made these really impactful discoveries, and then to applied for additional funding.“And, just based on my own personal experience, the LCFA Young Investigator award was the very first grant that I was ever awarded. I've been able to leverage that now into several million dollars worth of funding.”

Our guests talk about how peers, friend-tors, and academic mentors can help you see potential in yourself that you may not have known. All this support is especially important to the success of minority and ethnic researchers who are looking to focus on a lung cancer specialty.“Mentors are those guiding lights that help us to progress to the next stage and to see paths where we may not have seen them before.” - Dr. Jarushka NaidooGuestsDr. Jarushka Naidoo, a consultant medical oncologist at Beaumont Hospital in Dublin, Ireland who focuses on immunotherapy and is an LCFA Young Investigator Grant recipientDr. David Tom Cooke, a cardiothoracic surgeon at the University of California Davis Health System specializing in cancer surgeryDr. Christian Rolfo, a thoracic oncologist who is associate director for clinical research in the Center for Thoracic Oncology/Tisch Cancer Institute, Mount Sinai, New York.Show Notes | TranscriptionAcademic Mentors Help Make the ConnectionsAcademic mentors are necessary for advancing a researcher’s career and accessing lung cancer research funding. There are a variety of approaches to mentoring and different mentors may bring different skills.A mentor can mean different things at different stages in your career. A mentor fundamentally means a teacher. Like teachers, a researcher needs a different type of teaching at different times in their careers.One of the things that is important about mentors is to realize that not all mentors are going to teach a researcher the same lessons, but the mentee will carry those lessons through their career. Some of the different kinds of mentors are:peer mentors – at your stage or a little bit senior to you who might teach you how to get things donefriendtors – people who are at your stage and understand what you might need day-to-day.classic academic mentors – a senior mentor who has a bird’s eye view of careers and how they can guide your career forwardThe Importance of Finding Academic Mentors“...it's important to establish a mentor, someone who introduces you to the scientific method from an early age, and guides you through a proper development pathway to understanding investigated research.” - Dr. David Tom CookeYou can take skills from mentors from different areas covering your needs, and giving you expertise in different fields. A good academic mentor can instill a genuine love for the specialty. They can help to navigate the interplay between understanding the different specialties that contribute to the world of oncology, and the true commitment to lifelong learning.How Lung Cancer Research Can Benefit From An Increase In Investigators From Minority And Ethnic CommunitiesResearchers who bring a culturally sensitive perspective to lung cancer, can make a huge difference in research and in the communities they represent.As an underrepresented medicine physician, Dr. Cook understands in a culturally competent way, the mistrust of the healthcare system from the black and African American community. He can just sit down and talk with patients with that understanding. He can help to allay their fear of a clinical trial. In addition, Dr. Cook can help the healthcare institution understand how best to support these patients to promote them enrolling into clinical trials.Currently there is even more attention on the ability of a clinical study to attract and enroll under- engaged communities for a given research question. The grant applications are evaluated on how this research will reach out to underserved communities or underserved populations. Such as will women be enrolled in this trial? So, that is key to addressing questions about disparate populations and equal opportunities for participation. Thus a grant application will be evaluated based on these rules.Academic Mentors Help Navigate The Equity Space For Young PhysiciansOf course, many aspiring doctors do not attend the top rated University Medical School Programs, many of which are Ivy League schools. Many of the students who attend medical school programs at smaller schools may face unique challenges in their attempts to specialize in lung cancer research. And, the challenges are even greater for students from underrepresented minority groups.However, there is a misperception that investigative science and research only occurs at the Ivy League level. That misperception is not amongst researchers throughout this country and others, but mainly in the lay population. Looking at all National Cancer Institute Comprehensive Designated Cancer Centers, there are over 40 research universities. The majority of these facilities do not reside within the Ivy League environment.Look at the hundreds and hundreds of millions of dollars of research funds that goes into funding research, both in the public and private sector. The vast majority goes into other institutions, that include UC Davis Health and Johns Hopkins Medical Center. The key here is, if you are an individual, especially a person from an underrepresented medicine background, it's important to establish an academic mentor. Especially important, finding someone who introduces you to the scientific method from an early age. Then guides you through a proper development pathway to understanding investigated research.Academic Mentors and Research FundingThere are also underutilized funding resources. Typically, resources may be underutilized because many people aren't aware of them.​​Dr. Christian Rolfo stresses that it’s very important that mentees to be very proactive. “Because if you are sitting there, even if you are coming from a big institution you are sitting there and you don't take the opportunities, nobody will knock your door.”Dr. Cooke believes the key is cross demographic mentorship. An academic mentor doesn't have to look like you or come from the same background, or even quite frankly be in the same political persuasion. But they have to have faith in your abilities, and their only goal in mentoring you, is seeing your success.For example Dr. Cooke cited one of his earliest academic mentors, Dr. Marion Katchlin. “She was older, I was younger, she was wealthy, I was not. She was a smoker, I wasn't. But we both loved immunology. And she took a specific interest in my career, and she taught me that I shouldn't limit myself in any way, and I should strive for the best in any opportunity I want to strive for.”ResourcesHow an LCFA/IASLC Grant Benefits Lung Cancer ResearchLCFA Research GrantsHow to find funding for lung cancer research

In this Hope With Answers podcast, hear from doctors in the field and researchers on the front lines discuss the disparities in lung cancer clinical trials. Disparities in access to healthcare opportunities occur when there is an absence of health equity. These health differences are closely linked with social, economic, and/or environmental disadvantage.Listen to these lung cancer experts address disparity in all aspects. This includes eligibility, referral programs, healthcare access, and appropriate follow-up for lung cancer screening. They propose strategies to address each of these areas so that we can bridge this disparity, equity and inclusion gap.Missing Out on Treatments: Disparities in Lung Cancer Clinical TrialsAdvances in lung cancer treatments over the last few years have made it possible to live with lung cancer for years after diagnosis. But minority and ethnic populations represent less than 5% of those getting the latest treatments in clinical trials.GuestsDr. Raymond Osarogiagbon of Baptist Cancer Center in Memphis, TennesseeVincent K. Lam, M.D., an Assistant Professor of Oncology at Johns Hopkins, is a clinical/translational investigator with a special interest in lung cancer and an LCFA Young Investigator grantee.Dr. Triparna Sen, is an Assistant Attending, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; Assistant Professor, Weil Cornell School of Medicine and an LCFA Young Investigator granteeShow Notes | TranscriptionPatients have the power to make a difference in health disparities in lung cancer clinical trials by:educating themselves on the steps to takeasking their doctors questionslooking for information on websites like lcfamerica.org or social media oncogene groups.

What if your lung cancer doctor could get a huge amount of information about your health, how you might respond to different treatments, and possibly even be able to tell you the best diet for your specific needs, all based on a simple test that involves no needles, no surgery, no special preparation, just a small sample… of your stool. That’s the potential of studying the gut microbiome. Find out why some of LCFA’s Young Investigators are so excited about including the gut microbiome in the fight against lung cancer.GuestsDr. Jarushka NaidooDr. Daniel SpakowiczDr. Zoltan LoinaiDr. David Carbone, The Ohio State UniversityShow Notes | TranscriptionGetting over the ick factor: Talking about poopOur bodies are teeming with microorganisms. Only 10% of the 100 trillion cells in us are human – the rest are microbes. Most of these microorganisms are found in the gastrointestinal tract with the highest concentrations found in our large intestine or gut.“So the microbiome is the collection of organisms that live on you and in you. So you have about 10 trillion human cells on your body and roughly the same number of microbes, either bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other things. They live all over, but mostly in your gut in terms of concentration. And they’ve got something like a hundredfold more genes than you do for being able to degrade different carbohydrates, make different molecules. And we’re just starting to understand how they affect many different things, including cancer.” says Dr. Daniel Spakowicz.The immune effect of the microbiome on lung cancer may be due to specific compositions of both lung and gut microbiomes. Three of LCFA’s Young Investigator grant recipients are continuing this study of gut microbiome and lung cancer, Dr. Jarushka Naidoo, Dr. Daniel Spakowicz, and Dr. Zoltan Lohinai.Gut microbiome and immunotherapyThe composition of bacteria in the gut may also have a strong influence on how well advanced lung cancer patients respond to immunotherapy. Finding a positive correlation will allow doctors to use the gut microbiome as a biomarker to predict how well future patients may respond to treatment. It also raises the possibility of modifying the patient’s gut bacteria before therapy with the expectation of improved effectiveness of immunotherapy.“We know that certain cells that line the gut are very important for modifying or changing our immune response. And now that we have new treatments that harness our immune response to fight cancers such as lung cancer treatments called immunotherapy, it becomes very important to understand why some immune responses are the way they are in certain patients. And can we make those immune responses stronger for some patients or change the immune responses so that perhaps patients who develop the side effects of these immune related treatments don’t happen as severely or as often.” – Dr. Jarushka NaidooThe 3rd Revolution: Gut microbiomes in lung cancer treatmentAccording to Dr. Jarushka Naidoo there have been two revolutions in lung cancer: the genomic revolution and the immunotherapy revolution.The genomic revolution happened about 10 to 15 years ago with the discovery of several genomic biomarkers. This discovery then led to several targeted therapies and understanding that lung cancer is not all created equal. And that some patients may have cancers that do well with special targeted pill therapies that may shrink those cancers.And then from there came the immunotherapy revolution, where the understanding came that maybe different lung cancers might respond to immunotherapy – using the body’s immune system to fight cancer.“I think, and I hope, that our projects are the start of the microbial revolution. That we will understand that our microbiome is somehow intrinsically related to perhaps how lung cancer develops, why lung cancer grows, and how long cancer is treated. And we may be able to understand how to harness that microbial intervention to help patients and pave the way for the future.” - Dr. Jarushka NaidooUnderstanding The Effects of Medications on the Gut MicrobiomeIt often takes months or even years, to get the correct diagnosis of lung cancer. And for many people, the diagnosis happens only after medications for various respiratory ailments didn’t work. These medications seem to affect the microbiome, such as antibiotics or steroids. So it’s frequently treated with antibiotics that might alter the long-term outcomes of immunotherapy according to Dr. Lohinai.“So physicians should think, right, days, or weeks or months ahead of the treatment, even we don’t know what treatment the patient will get by immunotherapy, but we have to see what medications we administer months before the treatment. I think it’s recommended, there is no evidence, but there is a lot of data that would say that the treatment with antibiotics and steroids should be as the lowest dose. And should be lowered to the minimum to increase the outcomes of some patients because these medications can alter the outcomes of immunotherapy.” – Dr. Zoltan LohinaiThe Future is Gut Microbiomes, Icky As it May BeDiscovering whether a patient’s gut health plays a role in determining the benefits – or, conversely, the harm – of immunotherapy treatment. Until now, there has been scant research connecting gut health with both cancer diagnoses and treatment protocols.The LCFA Young Investigator Grants are designed to help researchers look at lung cancer in new and creative ways, always with an eye toward finding better treatments that help people live longer and healthier lives.“The microbiome is certainly a very influential factor in those who get cancer, those who respond or don’t respond to immunotherapy or chemotherapy…. And we don’t really know the mechanism, but we’re getting a whole lot better and a whole lot closer to understanding that mechanism. And it really could give us some novel insights, novel therapy targets, novel ways of improving outcomes.” – Dr. David CarboneFamiliarizing the practicing clinician with the experimental methods used to generate the information that will likely impact the field of lung cancer, helping to understand gut microbiome in lung cancer treatment.As Dr. Daniel Spakowicz says, “in general, collecting somebody’s poop before they start a treatment is not a commonly done practice right now, and it tends to be sort of icky to some people. And that’s the essence of what we want to change.”

It's no secret that lung cancer affects a patient's entire community: family, friends, co-workers and more. Learning to live with lung cancer is its own challenge, especially for men. Hear from three guys who found their own patient voice, and help others find theirs, as they tackle living with lung cancer in unique and powerful ways.Guests:AJ Patel, James Hiter, and Frank McKenna Show Notes | TranscriptionAccepting the Challenges As Men Living with Lung CancerAJ Patel, James Hiter, and Frank McKenna have been living with lung cancer for a number of years. Thanks to research and new treatments, they have the experience and commitment to help others facing the same shocking diagnosis. However, they each have unique journeys and different approaches mentally.AJ Patel went from being the guy who doesn’t like to ask for directions when he’s lost to recognizing his own vulnerability. He has learned to bring the very best version of himself into the moment that he’s living - even when he’s not feeling that great. For James dealing with a lung cancer diagnosis, he was grateful for the support he got that allowed him to make that shift from , "Why me?” to “Why not me?" His advice from a mental standpoint is “the sooner you can get there, the sooner you can start to feel in control through a time when there's very little, that you feel so out of control.”Frank McKenna was never sure what his purpose in life was prior to lung cancer and he knows now. He has an appreciation that “I am still alive, still kicking” and feels he needs to give back, shine a light, and use it as a platform to educate people. A Deeper Relationship with their PartnersFrank McKenna acknowledges that he and his wife always had a good, strong relationship and it strengthened even more since his lung cancer diagnosis. During the early days of diagnosis and treatment, his wife took charge and said, "We're going to fight this and you're not going anywhere." Frank feels like their relationship now is better than it's ever been. James expressed that the greatest gift we can give to our spouse is to try and be the best patient we can be - even though it's hard for men to ask for help. And despite it being trying at times when his wife turned his stomach with food suggestions after every single chemo session, he appreciated that she was trying to have the right foods in the house to make sure that there was something that he might like to eat.AJ recognized that living with lung cancer has helped to nurture a much deeper relationship and an appreciation of really what a partner brings when they say, "I do."“You realize just how fragile life is, but at the same moment just how beautiful it is, because you can see the love from a person.”Branching Out into AdvocacyKnowing the fact that lung cancer kills more people than breast, colon and prostate cancer combined, each of these men have become advocates for lung cancer in their own ways. James Hiter is working to change this statistic by advocating for parity when it comes to research funding. James created a non profit, Streak For a Cure,  designed to raise awareness to the fact one only needs lungs to get lung cancer, as well as to raise money for research.AJ chose to get involved with the patient advocacy side. He sees this work as simply paying it forward. “The only reason I am here today is because a phone buddy was matched with me eight years ago.” That buddy provided AJ with a tremendous amount of hope by showing that he was living with lung cancer. James also volunteers as a phone buddy - talking to people who are newly diagnosed. Frank McKenna is now a Cancer Exercise Specialist who helps people living with lung cancer learn how to continue making exercise a part of their lives. He is so thrilled to be feeling so well and, through speaking engagements, volunteering and sharing his story, his life has new meaning.  “We're willing to help everybody, but there is a community out here of guys who are willing to help other guys and get through this. So don't be afraid to reach out.”AJ, James, and Frank are part of LCFA’s Speakers Bureau. They are using their voice to get the word out there for more lung cancer research. They have shared their story on the LCFA’s website, participated in fundraising events and appeared on some of the podcasts to let people know that there are other guys out here that are willing to help other men living with lung cancer.Men Making Strides in Lung Cancer Research LCFA’s Young Investigators includes men living with lung cancer in a different way - making amazing discoveries in lung cancer research. These LCFA-funded scientists dedicate their professional lives to the study of lung cancer. Translational Researcher: Dr. Vincent Lam is giving back to society by finding new therapies for lung cancer patients. Dr. Adrian Sacher’s research looks at the body’s immune response to cancer cells. Dr. Jon Zugazagoitia’s research hopes to discover novel biomarkers and targets for new immune therapies for lung cancer. Dr. Zoltan Lohinai’s research is looking at how gut bacteria can help the immune system fight lung cancer. All these researchers hope to make men living with lung cancer have longer lives.  

Un diagnóstico de cáncer de pulmón casi requiere aprender un nuevo idioma. En este episodio, usted empezará a escuchar términos como biomarcadores, inmunoterapia y oncólogo torácico. Primero escuche al médico Dr. Christian Rolfo que es experto en el cáncer del pulmón, sobre cómo un paciente puede empezar a desarrollar conceptos y vocabulario muy diferente.Después, escucharás el testimonio de personas que han estado exactamente dónde usted está ahora y como aprender “hablar cáncer.” GuestsDr. Christian Rolfo - Dr. Christian Rolfo es Oncólogo Torácico y experto en oncología molecular, biopsias líquidas y desarrollo de nuevos fármacos en el ámbito de cáncer de pulmón y mesotelioma en el centro de Oncología Torácica de Mount Sinai.Yovana Portillo, Sobreviviente de Cancer de Pulmon, LCFA Mesa de OradoresJuanita Segura, Sobreviviente de Cancer de Pulmon, LCFA Mesa de Oradores RecursosLos primeros 7 pasos que debe seguir después de un diagnóstico de cáncer de pulmón Notas del Programa | Transcripción La misión de LCFA es mejorar la supervivencia de los pacientes con cáncer de pulmón mediante la financiación de la ciencia transformadora. Mientras recauda fondos para apoyar la investigación del cáncer de pulmón, LCFA aumentará la conciencia del público y servirá como un recurso para los pacientes o cualquier persona que busque respuestas, esperanza y acceso a información actualizada sobre tratamientos, investigaciones científicas y ensayos clínicos.  Usted también puede unirse a la conversación con LCFA en Facebook, Twitter, e Instagram.  

Este programa está diseñado para ayudarles a responder algunas de las preguntas más importantes que surgen inmediatamente después de un diagnóstico. Escucharás el testimonio de personas que han estado exactamente dónde usted está ahora y están viviendo y disfrutando la vida aun con cáncer de pulmón. Ellos serán sus guías a lo largo de la primera parte de su viaje contra el cáncer que estamos llamando Los Primeros Siete Días.GuestsDr. Christian Rolfo - Dr. Christian Rolfo es Oncólogo Torácico y experto en oncología molecular, biopsias líquidas y desarrollo de nuevos fármacos en el ámbito de cáncer de pulmón y mesotelioma en el centro de Oncología Torácica de Mount Sinai.Yovana Portillo, Sobreviviente de Cancer de Pulmon, LCFA Mesa de OradoresJuanita Segura, Sobreviviente de Cancer de Pulmon, LCFA Mesa de OradoresRecursosLos primeros 7 pasos que debe seguir después de un diagnóstico de cáncer de pulmón Notas del Programa | Transcripción La misión de LCFA es mejorar la supervivencia de los pacientes con cáncer de pulmón mediante la financiación de la ciencia transformadora. Mientras recauda fondos para apoyar la investigación del cáncer de pulmón, LCFA aumentará la conciencia del público y servirá como un recurso para los pacientes o cualquier persona que busque respuestas, esperanza y acceso a información actualizada sobre tratamientos, investigaciones científicas y ensayos clínicos.  Usted también puede unirse a la conversación con LCFA en Facebook, Twitter, e Instagram.  

If you had to guess what a personal trainer, a die-hard runner, and a healthful vegetarian have in common, you would probably never guess "lung cancer." But far more than their diagnosis, these three guys are connected by the strength they find in their families, the openness and vulnerability they share in talking about their diagnosis, and the focus they put on reaching other men who, like them, are also learning how to live with lung cancer. Guests:Speakers Bureau members James Hiter, Frank McKenna, and AJ PatelJim Baranski, Executive Director Show Notes | TranscriptionSharing Their Lung Cancer DiagnosisGuys DO want and need to share their feelings about the challenges of living with lung cancer. Listen to these poignant stories of James Hiter, Frank McKenna, and AJ Patel. These guys, living with lung cancer, are first and foremost, husbands and fathers. They talk about the strength they draw from the most fundamental relationships in their lives. They talked about sharing their lung cancer diagnosis with their kids—and how those relationships helped change their perception of being diagnosed with lung cancer.AJ Patel talks about how communicating honestly about these issues with his kids helps them work through their own feelings about his diagnosis.Appreciating Their Support NetworkA lung cancer diagnosis is a stressful experience in a person's life. The support of family and friends is incredibly helpful and appreciated by these men, even if they were reluctant at first.Frank shares how the actions of his sons were just so inspiring to him.  “To know that I had that effect on them, that they wanted to give back to me and, and, you know, make their dreams and wishes come true with the little time that we had.” Since AJ’s diagnosis, he is now more open to family members and others talking to them and sharing his emotions and feelings. This openness was something new - he was reserved and never really talked about his health because he thought he was supposed to be the head of the household. “What am I going to do? Being vulnerable? But now I realize that vulnerability leads to discussions and dialogues, and it's not necessarily always an outcome that we're, well, now we feel better.”AJ has stepped up to connect as a “buddy” to other men facing a lung cancer diagnosis. “I would just encourage if anybody's listening to this and you've been recently diagnosed, you know, somebody has been recently diagnosed, set aside, whatever preconceived ideas you have about talking to people that you don't know about this, and just know it can be really beneficial just to have a second set of ears.”Men Also Advocate for Lung Cancer ResearchAnother thing that all three men have in common is the knowledge that the latest lung cancer research has been vital to their survival of this disease. Knowing that there is much more work to be done, they have chosen different ways to advocate for lung cancer research. Besides being part of the LCFA’s Speakers Bureau, each of them found a way to give back even while managing their own cancer journey.“And it's, it's so important for guys to know that there were other guys in here, you know, like the three of us who work with the speaker's bureau in order to get that word out there. And do the events that we do - appear on some of the podcasts and on the websites, and some of the things we do to let people know that there were other guys out here that are willing to help, they're willing to, you know, either lead by example or give advice, or, you know, just kind of say, it's okay to talk to someone who knows what you're going through or has been through it.” - Frank McKennaJames also shares an important message:“My hope is that you will be inspired to spread the word. It’s time for this disease to be funded and treated like all other types of cancer. It's time for the world to know that if you have lungs, you can get lung cancer- smoker, non-smoker or never-smoker.” 

Living with lung cancer is never easy, but finding your lung cancer tribe with other patient advocates can help newly-diagnosed patients harness the power of their own voice in treatment. Hear from LCFA's group of patient advocates about how they got connected through patient groups that helped them learn how to navigate the lung cancer journey. You'll also hear from lung cancer specialist Dr. Raymond Osarogiagbon of Baptist Cancer Center in Memphis, who shares his hopes for the future of lung cancer treatment.Guests:Dr. Raymond Osarogiagbon of Baptist Cancer Center in Memphis, TennesseeLCFA Speakers Bureau members Terri Conneran, Linnea Olson, Ivy Elkins, Yovana Portillo, AJ Patel, Montessa Lee, Gina Hollenbeck, and Frank McKenna

It’s Not Covid? It’s Lung Cancer?A lung cancer diagnosis was the shocker to the year Annabelle Gurwitch already had going in 2020. She went to have a Covid test and left with a lung cancer diagnosis. She’s an actress, activist, and author of five books including I See You Made an Effort. In 2020, she’d written a new book and started as a co-host on a podcast called Tiny Victories. Now she is sharing her lung cancer diagnosis story - as only Annabelle would, with humor.View Show Notes | TranscriptionWhen Lung Cancer Goes CitrusWhen she went to have a cough checked out last year thinking it might be Covid, she came away with the shocking diagnosis of stage IV lung cancer. She is grateful for lung cancer research funding and how she's now using her voice - and relentless sense of humor - as a lung cancer patient advocate.“And then, once they said they found something, there's a tumor, the size of a Clementine. Well, you know, when something goes citrus, you're in trouble.”A biopsy and a diagnosis of stage IV cancer. was more shocking to Annabelle because other than her little cough, she exercised every day and felt like she was in really good health.Non-smokers Get Diagnosed With Lung Cancer?“What I didn't realize when I was diagnosed, because it had not been on my radar at all, was this growing epidemic of lung cancer in nonsmoking women.”A 2017 study of 12,103 lung cancer patients in three representative U.S. hospitals found that never-smokers were 8% of the total from 1990 to 1995 but 14.9% from 2011 to 2013. The authors concluded that “the actual incidence of lung cancer in never smokers is increasing.” Another study that same year, of 2,170 patients in the U.K., found an even larger increase: The proportion of lung cancer patients who were never-smokers rose from 13% in 2008 to 28% in 2014. It is well-documented that approximately 20% of lung cancer cases that occur in women in the U.S. and 9% of cases in men, are diagnosed in never-smokers. Cigarette smoking is still the single greatest cause of lung cancer. And today’s screening recommendations apply only to current and former smokers. Yet according to a study published in December 2020 in JAMA Oncology,12% of U.S. lung cancer patients are never-smokers.Targeted Treatment for EGFR Mutation in Lung CancerAnnabelle recognizes that lung cancer research is a key reason her lung cancer diagnosis came with hope.“... because I get to have the life I'm having right now because of the drugs that were developed in the last five years. I happen to have the EGFR Mutation, which responds to a medication that allows me to continue a pretty normal life, except for the extra napping.”Advocating for Lung Cancer Research“ I have some cells that went rogue, and that's how I think about it. One of the hardest times in my life was the three months where I didn't know what I was facing. I have to say there was, at least some relief as weird as that sounds in the diagnosis.”Annabelle’s story of an accidental lung cancer diagnosis is a very common story among lung cancer patients. In Annabelle’s case, getting an accurate diagnosis set her on a treatment course that is manageable as well as saving her life. Now Annabelle is in a position to “pay it forward” by reaching out to others who may benefit from hearing her story.“These drugs will stop working in a certain amount of time and whether I survive and how I survive, what kind of quality of living I have is entirely dependent on lung cancer research funding.”Annabelle is determined as a writer and a storyteller, to share her story, her lung cancer diagnosis, and how she’s living with it and the incredible tight rope she’s now walking. In becoming an advocate for lung cancer research, a story about a lung cancer diagnosis and Annabelle Gurwitch sets the stage for the next chapter in her life.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has recently changed the guidelines for lung cancer screening. Listen to two experts who helped establish the first set of screening guidelines. Then hear from a patient advocate living with lung cancer on how the change in screening is a step in the right direction.Guests:Dr. Denise Aberle, LCFA Scientific Advisory Board memberDavid Sturges, LCFA Co-founder and lung cancer survivorTerri Conneran, LCFA Speaker Bureau member Show Notes | Transcription Establishing the first set of NLST guidelinesThe first NCI-sponsored National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) was a trial to compare two ways of lung cancer screening: low dose helical CT versus chest radiography. The NLST was the joint collaboration of ACRIN and the Lung Screening Study.Dr. Denise Aberle served as the national Principal Investigator of the American College of Radiology Imaging Network (ACRIN-NLST) component of the National Lung Screening Trial. Dr. Aberle’s research also centers on lung cancer and oncologic imaging for response assessment; quantitative image analysis, and oncology informatics.LCFA’s co-founder, David Sturges served on the United States Department of Defense’s Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs’ Integration Panel. He was the sole patient advocate at the table for the groundbreaking National Lung Screening Trial’s Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB).These new lung cancer screening guidelines have two significant changes to the previous criteria in place regarding who qualifies for annually testing:Lowered the age from 55 to 50 so now the Age Range criteria is now Ages 50 - 77.Changed the pack years smoking calculation from using 30 pack years of smoking to using 20 pack years of smoking.Although these improved guidelines may lead to more smokers getting tested for lung cancer earlier, there are many factors that might put you at risk for lung cancer. Many people believe that smoking alone causes lung cancer.But, increasingly, people who have never smoked or who quit smoking many years ago are being diagnosed with lung cancer. Hear from Terri Conneran, member of LCFA’s Speakers Bureau, tell her diagnosis story as one who didn’t meet these criteria. Learn more about her road to her specific diagnosis, which did not follow a direct route.Why is the change in screening guidelines important?Besides the statistic that more than half of new lung cancer patients have never smoked or quit more than 15 years ago are not included in the original CT screening recommendations:These revisions will reduce both racial and sex disparities to enable screening in a higher risk groups and additional percentage of the population who we know are going to get lung cancer.They will provide greater benefits in reducing lung cancer mortality across the United States.When detected early, lung cancer patients have more treatment options and a far greater chance of survival. The 5-year survival rate for those diagnosed before the cancer has spread rises from 18 out of every 100 people to 55 out of every 100. But, the key is being screened for lung cancer early.“The trial lasted from 2002 when we launched to about 2010, and was able over time to identify that low dose CT screening did in fact reduce deaths from lung cancer because of early detection. The name of the game is early detection because that's when the cancer can be treated and is most likely to be curable, meaning to result in long-term survival. And that's exactly what we saw.”  - Dr. Denise AberleAnd, even with the new lung cancer screening guidelines, there still is an emphasis on screening people who are either current or former smokers. These guidelines still won’t catch many of the lung cancers in never smoking patients who have a genetic alteration driving their cancer.“While we were talking about smoking and pack-years and all of that, it's true that if you have lungs, you can get lung cancer, right? I mean, you just have to be on top of your health as much as you possibly can. Every breath counts, for sure.”LCFA is a nonprofit dedicated to improving the survivorship of lung cancer patients by funding lung cancer research. Visit lcfamerica.org.