Lung Cancer Awareness Month takes place every November to show the impact of this disease, combat stigma, and support research. Organizations nationwide use the month to educate the public about risk factors, early detection, and treatment options. They also share stories from patients and families affected by lung cancer.
Smoking remains the leading cause of lung cancer, but awareness campaigns emphasize that non-smokers are also at risk. Secondhand smoke, environmental pollution, and family history contribute significantly to the disease. Public messaging stresses that anyone can develop lung cancer, regardless of lifestyle. Consequently, the month aims to shift public perception and reduce blame often placed on patients.
Throughout November, hospitals, nonprofits, and advocacy groups host awareness events, informational sessions, and fundraising campaigns. In addition, some campaigns feature public figures and patients to share personal stories and highlight early detection benefits. Screening programs, including low-dose CT scans, are promoted to identify disease in its earliest stages when treatment is more effective.
Organizations also call for better treatment options. Pharmaceutical companies like Merck (NYSE: MRK) and AstraZeneca PLC (NASDAQ: AZN) continue research into immunotherapy and targeted treatments. Meanwhile, biotech startups work on early detection tools.
For example, Grail Inc. (NASDAQ: GRAL) develops blood-based tests to identify lung cancer early, while Breath Diagnostics Inc. tests breath samples to detect disease indicators. These innovations aim to improve survival rates.
The official lung cancer awareness colour is pearl, sometimes represented as clear or white. During the month, participants wear ribbons or organize visual campaigns using these colours to symbolize support. Furthermore, Lung Cancer Awareness Month encourages everyone to take proactive health measures, understand risk factors, and contribute to research efforts.
Exact Sciences wants you to know your biomarker
During Lung Cancer Awareness Month, Exact Sciences Corp. (NASDAQ: EXAS) partnered with the LUNGevity Foundation to run the “No One Missed” campaign, also known as #KnowYourBiomarker. The initiative educates patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers about the importance of biomarker testing in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Early and accurate biomarker identification can guide treatment decisions and improve patient outcomes. Consequently, the campaign highlights how these tests are essential for personalized therapy and clinical planning.
Exact Sciences emphasizes that patients should understand the different biomarker options available and discuss them with their oncologists. By raising awareness, the company seeks to reduce gaps in testing and ensure that more patients receive timely, targeted care.
In addition, the campaign addresses common misconceptions about lung cancer, such as the belief that it only affects smokers. Exact Sciences published articles clarifying other risk factors, including secondhand smoke, environmental exposures like radon, and hereditary predispositions. These efforts stress that anyone can develop lung cancer, and early detection is critical.
Throughout November, Exact Sciences also shares resources and educational materials via digital platforms and social media. The content encourages patients to advocate for themselves and promotes conversations between doctors and families about testing and treatment options. Furthermore, by collaborating with LUNGevity, the company strengthens community engagement and reinforces the importance of research funding for lung cancer.
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AstraZeneca commits to breathing easier
AstraZeneca actively connects its lung health initiatives to Lung Cancer Awareness Month, emphasizing both patient education and community engagement. In December 2024, the company published a blog titled “Breathing Easier: AstraZeneca’s Ongoing Commitment to Lung Health.” This blog showed November as both COPD and Lung Cancer Awareness Month.
Furthermore, AstraZeneca is a founding member of the Lung Ambition Alliance, a global initiative that brings together pharmaceutical companies, non-profits, and healthcare organizations to accelerate progress in lung cancer detection and treatment.
Through this collaboration, the company contributes expertise, research, and resources to improve patient outcomes and increase access to care. In line with these efforts, AstraZeneca promotes a public-facing campaign called “Take the pLUNGe” during Lung Cancer Awareness Month.
This initiative encourages people to learn about lung cancer screening eligibility and speak with their doctors about proactive health measures.
The campaign also emphasizes the importance of understanding risk factors beyond smoking, such as environmental exposures and genetic predispositions. AstraZeneca aims to empower individuals regarding their lung health while reinforcing the need for regular screening and interventions.
Furthermore, the company uses digital media, patient stories, and community events to raise awareness about lung cancer.
Image from Astrazeneca.
Merck reminds you that anyone with lungs can get lung cancer
Merck participates in Lung Cancer Awareness Month through its support of broader advocacy and educational initiatives.
The company does not run a standalone public campaign specifically for November, but it is listed as a pharmaceutical sponsor of the LUNGevity Foundation’s “Anyone with Lungs Can Get Lung Cancer” campaign. This partnership aligns Merck with efforts to increase awareness of lung cancer risk factors, early detection, and treatment options.
Through this sponsorship, Merck contributes to educational programs that inform the public about the reality of lung cancer. The campaign emphasizes that lung cancer can affect anyone, not just smokers. It highlights risk factors such as secondhand smoke, environmental exposures, and family history. By supporting these messages, Merck helps reduce the stigma often associated with lung cancer.
In addition, Merck’s involvement strengthens the reach and visibility of LUNGevity’s campaign. The organization provides resources for patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers, including information on clinical trials, screening recommendations, and support services. Merck’s backing reinforces the importance of research and innovation in improving patient outcomes.
While Merck’s participation does not involve a named public campaign, its sponsorship of the “Anyone with Lungs Can Get Lung Cancer” initiative contributes meaningfully to Lung Cancer Awareness Month. By supporting education, early detection, and advocacy, the company aligns itself with efforts in the fight against lung cancer.
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BioAffinity campaign aims to increase lung cancer screening rates
bioAffinity Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: BIAF) is a biotech company focused on developing innovative tools for early lung cancer detection. Their flagship test, CyPath® Lung, analyses sputum using artificial intelligence and flow cytometry to detect early-stage lung cancer. The technology is non-invasive, making it far more accessible and safer than traditional screening methods, which often involve imaging or procedures that carry higher risks and costs.
During Lung Cancer Awareness Month, bioAffinity has partnered with the American Cancer Society (ACS) to amplify its screening initiatives. Originally launched in November 2023, the campaign spread across ACS Lung Quality Improvement sites. It also aims to increase lung cancer screening rates in high-risk populations. By leveraging CyPath Lung, the partnership seeks to make early detection more widely available. Further, this would potentially identifying cases before they progress to advanced stages.
The collaboration also focuses on education and public awareness. Campaign materials show that lung cancer is not limited to smokers and that non-invasive testing options exist. Through outreach efforts, bioAffinity and ACS encourage patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers to discuss screening.
Furthermore, bioAffinity’s approach aligns well with broader awareness-month goals, emphasizing accessibility, prevention, and actionable knowledge. By combining cutting-edge diagnostics with community engagement, the company contributes to reducing lung cancer mortality rates. The partnership reinforces that awareness and improving early detection can work to create change for people affected by lung cancer.
Image via bioInfinity.
EarlyLabs emphasizes reducing barriers to testing is critical
EarlyLabs is a biotech startup focused on transforming early cancer detection through innovative, non-invasive technology. Their lead product, the BSP Urine Test, is a biosensor platform initially aimed at screening for lung cancer. Unlike conventional methods, such as low-dose CT scans, which can be invasive, expensive, and time-consuming, the BSP Urine Test uses a simple urine sample to detect disease markers. This approach makes screening safer, more convenient, and potentially more accessible to larger populations.
The timing of EarlyLabs’ work aligns closely with Lung Cancer Awareness Month in November. The startup emphasizes that reducing barriers to testing is critical. Many individuals avoid lung cancer screening due to cost, invasiveness, or lack of awareness, and EarlyLabs’ directly addresses these challenges. By offering a quick, non-invasive, and cost-effective method, the company hopes to increase compliance rates and encourage earlier diagnosis.
EarlyLabs also positions education as part of its mission. The company shares information on lung cancer risk factors and emphasizes the importance of proactive screening. While the BSP Urine Test is still in development, EarlyLabs is actively exploring partnerships with medical centers and advocacy groups to ensure the technology reaches patients who need it most.
Overall, EarlyLabs exemplifies how startups can contribute to the broader goals of Lung Cancer Awareness Month. By combining innovation with accessibility, the company seeks to make early detection more practical for the general public. Its work highlights the potential of non-invasive diagnostics to reduce mortality and improve outcomes for patients affected by lung cancer.
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