TOP NEWS
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month
New Report Highlights Lung Cancer Advancements and Funding Cuts That May Hinder Progress
Our 8th annual State of Lung Cancer report highlights the great strides in efforts to end lung cancer—the leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States. The good news is that the five-year survival rate for lung cancer has jumped to nearly 30%, thanks to advancements in treatments, screening and biomarker testing. Recent federal and staff cuts threaten this progress. Read the report.
Ten Powerful, Personal Stories
Ten LUNG FORCE Heroes. Ten powerful stories. As part of Lung Cancer Awareness Month, we’re highlighting the emotional and deeply personal side of a lung cancer diagnosis. These videos, featuring several of the 10th annual LUNG FORCE Advocacy Day Heroes, can be viewed on our YouTube channel.
Jacksonville Jaguars Honor LUNG FORCE Hero Cindy Springer
LUNG FORCE Hero Cindy Springer was honored on the field as the NFL Crucial Catch Hero and Jaguars Community Champion, during the Jacksonville Jaguars game on October 12. The Crucial Catch initiative shines a spotlight on early detection and prevention of cancer of all types.
Cindy was celebrated not only for her dedication to advancing lung health through her work as an American Lung Association staff member in North Florida, but also for her personal courage as a LUNGFORCE Hero. Cindy was diagnosed a few years ago with lung cancer, at age 35 with no known risk factors. Her story is an important reminder of why our mission matters. It was a proud and emotional moment as a stadium of more than 61,000 people celebrated Cindy’s survival and our lifesaving work. View the video played on the jumbotron during Cindy’s recognition. Read more about Cindy.
Urgent Action Needed: Help us Halt Dramatic Increases in Healthcare Costs
Congress must urgently act to stop dramatic increases in healthcare costs for millions of Americans. "The American Lung Association has long been calling on Congress to take two urgent actions: fund the federal government and extend the enhanced healthcare tax credits, said American Lung Association President & CEO Harold Wimmer, in a statement. While the reopening of federal agencies that improve and protect lung health is good news, “Congress is past due on extending the enhanced healthcare tax credits.” Without an extension of the tax credits, which help lower the cost of Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace insurance, more than four million people will lose their coverage, and costs will dramatically increase for millions more.
Take action: You can help us, by contacting your Congressional representative and asking them to permanently extend healthcare premium tax credits.
SPECIAL EVENTS
We need YOU in 2026 - Climb, Run, Walk or Bike for Lung Health!
Be a part of a community united to end lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer deaths for women and men, and lung disease. Bring your friends and family to support Lung Health. Find an event near you and join us today:
RESEARCH
Lung Association-Funded Research: The Power of AI in Lung Cancer Care
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing what is possible in lung cancer care. Mohamed Abazeed, MD, PhD, and his team at Northwestern Medicine have pioneered new AI-driven tools that help doctors pinpoint tumors with greater precision and reduce radiation-related side effects, making treatment safer and more effective for patients. According to Dr. Abazeed, “Our goal is to democratize these tools so that patients in community hospitals and rural areas also benefit. AI can help every physician, regardless of experience level, deliver higher-quality care.” Read more about this exciting innovation on our Each Breath Blog.
YOUR HEALTH
Medicare and Marketplace Open Enrollment Underway
Quality and affordable healthcare is important for everyone, including the 35 million people in the United States living with chronic lung disease and lung cancer. Open enrollment is currently underway for Marketplace and Medicare healthcare coverage.
For families enrolling in Marketplace coverage, open enrollment began November 1 and runs through January 15, 2026. Coverage through Healthcare.gov can help people access important preventive services—like cancer screenings, quit smoking treatments and vaccines—at no cost. Some people may have financial assistance available to purchase a health plan, making the premium more affordable. For more information, please visit: www.lung.org/openenrollment.
For seniors and others enrolling in Medicare, open enrollment began October 15 and runs through December 7, 2025. People have the option of switching Medicare plans during open enrollment, including a Part D prescription drug plan. In 2026 there is a $2,100 cap on the out-of-pocket costs Medicare enrollees can pay on prescription drugs. For more information on these and other key Medicare policies, please visit www.lung.org/Medicare.
ADVOCACY
Outdated Trains are a Major Threat to Lung Health
We recently released our new report, “Getting Health on Track: Cleaner Locomotives for Healthy Air.” The report highlights the significant health risks posed by outdated diesel locomotives and calls for urgent federal action to modernize standards. While cars and trucks often receive the spotlight for air pollution, trains remain a major source of nitrogen oxides and diesel particulate matter, which contribute to lung disease, heart disease, cancer and premature death. They also emit greenhouse gases, exacerbating the health challenges amplified by climate change.
Take action: Join us in urging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to adopt stronger, more modern locomotive emissions standards to protect the health of communities and promote clean air.
EACH BREATH BLOG
Tips for Addressing COPD in a Rural Area—Caroline lives in Beckley, West Virginia, but her roots are in Ritchie County—between the Appalachian and Blue Ridge ranges—where there is limited access to healthcare, and even reliable internet and cell phone service. Caroline, a teacher, was diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in 2013. Since then, she’s become a passionate advocate for her own health and a voice for others — especially those in rural communities—showing how self-advocacy can make a real difference. An estimated 8% of individuals with COPD live in rural towns, and rural residents are 60% more likely to have COPD than individuals living in urban areas, according to our COPD Trends Brief. Read Caroline’s tips for living with COPD.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
For over 120 years, we’ve been dedicated to making a difference and saving lives. Our efforts impact the more than 35 million people living in the United States with chronic lung disease, and millions more through our pioneering model of education, advocacy and research. Thank you for all you do to help us breathe more easily! Visit Lung.org/get-involved to learn more about how you can make a difference.
Blog last updated: November 18, 2025
