PRESS RELEASE: February 10, 2015 08:00 AM Eastern Standard Time SAN CARLOS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--According to a recent study in the Annals of Oncology, lung cancer fatalities are set to overtake breast cancer deaths among European women for the first time this year. It is predicted lung cancer deaths for women in Europe will reach 14.24 per 100,000 of the population in 2015. “The ALCF has come together with other leading organizations to work together to educate patients and doctors with the goal of eradicating lung cancer.” To address this, representatives from the Addario Lung Cancer Foundation (ALCF) and the Addario Lung Cancer Medical Institute (ALCMI), Bonnie Addario and Scott Santarella, along with representatives from the University of Torino and Women Against Lung Cancer in Europe (WALCE), Prof. Giorgio Scagliotti and Prof. Silvia Novello and Stefania Vallone, agreed to form a mutually beneficial working partnership to the benefit of lung cancer patients worldwide. “There is an immediate need to address the lung cancer epidemic as a global issue,” said Bonnie Addario, Stage 3B lung cancer survivor and founder of the ALCF and ALCMI. “The ALCF has come together with other leading organizations to work together to educate patients and doctors with the goal of eradicating lung cancer.” “While patient advocates around the world have played an important role in raising lung cancer awareness, misinformation continues to surround this disease, creating barriers to treatment and patient care,” said Stefania Vallone. “We are calling on the general public to help correct misperceptions around lung cancer and highlight the disease for what it truly is– a complicated illness with many causes that can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender or smoking history.” The basis of the partnership includes public relations, marketing and promotional projects, joint patient educational programs, shared patient services projects and clinical trial/study initiatives. Examples of these include:
For those interested in learning more about ALCF, visit www.lungcancerfoundation.org and follow its activities on Twitter and Facebook. For those interested in learning more about WALCE visit www.womenagainstlungcancer.eu and follow its activities on Twitter and Facebook. About the Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation The Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation (ALCF) is one of the largest philanthropies (patient-founded, patient-focused, and patient-driven) devoted exclusively to eradicating Lung Cancer through research, early detection, education, and treatment. The Foundation's goal is to work with a diverse group of physicians, organizations, industry partners, individuals, patients, survivors, and their families to identify solutions and make timely and meaningful change and turn lung cancer into a chronically managed disease by 2023. The ALCF was established on March 1, 2006 as a 501c(3) non-profit organization and has raised more than $20 million for lung cancer research and related programs. About the Addario Lung Cancer Medical Institute The Addario Lung Cancer Medical Institute (ALCMI), founded in 2008 as a 501c(3) non-profit organization, is a patient-centric, international research consortium driving research otherwise not possible, evidenced by ALCMI's current clinical studies CASTLE, INHERIT EGFR T790M, and the Genomics of Young Lung Cancer. ALCMI overcomes barriers to collaboration via a world-class team of investigators from 22+ institutions in the U.S. and Europe, supported by dedicated research infrastructures such as centralized tissue banks and data systems. ALCMI directly facilitates research by combining scientific expertise found at leading academic institutions with patient access through our network of community cancer centers – accelerating novel research advancements to lung cancer patients. About WALCE WALCE is an European non-profit, lung cancer patient-focused organization founded in Italy in 2006 with the aim to educate, support and advocate for lung cancer patients and their caregivers and to circulate more accurate and up-to-date information in terms of prevention, diagnosis and therapy. WALCE is included in a national and international network and cooperates with different stakeholders at any level with this purpose to empower patients and general public and eradicate the stigma which surrounds lung cancer. Contacts Perry Communications Group Julia Spiess Lewis, 916-658-0144 julia@perrycom.com
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As an affiliate of The Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation, The Joan Gaeta Lung Cancer Fund is proud to support The Addario Lung Cancer Medical Institute (ALMCI) with 85% of our net proceeds. We continue to be very excited about ALCMI, the progress they have made, and the progress they will continue to make in the fight against lung cancer. ALCMI looks forward to launching many new innovative projects next year to advance their research initiatives, including the Epidemiologic Features in Young People with Lung Cancer, a follow-up to their Genomics of Young Lung Study, and their Biospecimen Big Data Project. As a follow-up to their Genomics of Young Lung Study, they plan to examine the Epidemiologic Features in Young People with Lung Cancer to understand the unique pathology and drivers of this disease in those under 40 years of age. They also look forward to launching their Biospecimen Big Data Project to create a centralized repository of donated patient tissue, blood, etc. and patient-reported information housed under one data umbrella. This first-of-its-kind data bank would allow patients and clinicians, regardless of where they live, to participate and opt-in to share information to help determine effective treatments, standard of care, and to establish a platform for patients to share their experiences. Another exciting collaboration involves clinical development of an anti-cancer vaccine that essentially “trains” a given patient’s immune system to potentially recognize and target his/her specific cells. These are just a sampling of the many innovative initiatives under development. Learn more about these important new initiatives by contacting Steve Young at syoung@alcmi.net. One of The Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation's (ALCF) most important services in 2015 will be our their new 24/7 Patient Web Portal, an all-encompassing, centralized “go-to” hub embodying what they mean when they say that ALCF is a “patient-first, patient-focused” organization that takes a 360 degree approach to living with lung cancer. Set to launch early this year, this unique resource will connect patients/caregivers to a range of programs to support, guide, educate, empower and comfort them throughout their lung cancer journey. The Portal’s landing page is a new, powerful, interactive 3-dimensional Patient Education/Communications Center that is the first-of-its-kind in proactively providing real-time medical/scientific breaking news to patients/caregivers with the option to engage in dialogue with ALCF’s Director of Research & Medical Affairs and/or our Education Programs & Services staff. This Center also opens the door to our Patient Community Resources section that links to multiple resources for lung cancer patients and provides access to patient-to-patient networking and peer-to-peer mentoring. The portal provides the latest information on new treatments/therapeutics, diagnostics, prognostics and exciting developments in research that have immediate impact on lung cancer patient lives. Individuals may opt-in to access information in a way that works best for them: through daily updates/news flashes sent to their email or via ALCF’s smartphone app, on their website, or through a monthly newsletter. Many thanks to Genentech for their support of this critical new patient service! Please share your suggestions/comments about what you would like featured on the Patient Web Portal. Contact Dr. Guneet Walia at guneet@lungcancerfoundation.org. The following was originally published by Reuters on January 1st, 2015.WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Plain old bad luck plays a major role in determining who gets cancer and who does not, according to researchers who found that two-thirds of cancer incidence of various types can be blamed on random mutations and not heredity or risky habits like smoking.
The researchers said on Thursday random DNA mutations accumulating in various parts of the body during ordinary cell division are the prime culprits behind many cancer types. They looked at 31 cancer types and found that 22 of them, including leukemia and pancreatic, bone, testicular, ovarian and brain cancer, could be explained largely by these random mutations - essentially biological bad luck. The other nine types, including colorectal cancer, skin cancer known as basal cell carcinoma and smoking-related lung cancer, were more heavily influenced by heredity and environmental factors like risky behavior or exposure to carcinogens. Overall, they attributed 65 percent of cancer incidence to random mutations in genes that can drive cancer growth. "When someone gets cancer, immediately people want to know why," said oncologist Dr. Bert Vogelstein of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, who conducted the study published in the journal Science with Johns Hopkins biomathematician Cristian Tomasetti. "They like to believe there's a reason. And the real reason in many cases is not because you didn't behave well or were exposed to some bad environmental influence, it's just because that person was unlucky. It's losing the lottery." Tomasetti said harmful mutations occur for "no particular reason other than randomness" as the body's master cells, called stem cells, divide in various tissues. Tomasetti said the study indicates that changing one's lifestyle and habits like smoking to avoid cancer risks may help prevent certain cancers, but may not be as effective for others. "Thus, we should focus more research and resources on finding ways to detect such cancers at early, curable stages," Tomasetti added. The researchers charted the cumulative number of lifetime divisions in the stem cells of a given tissue - for example, lungs or colon - and compared that to the lifetime cancer risk in that tissue. Generally speaking, tissues that undergo more divisions - thus increasing the probability of random mutations - were more prone to tumors. The study did not cover all cancer types. Breast and prostate cancer were excluded because the researchers were unable to ascertain reliable stem cell division rates. (Reporting by Will Dunham; Editing by Mohammad Zargham) There’s a lot of talk amongst lung cancer survivors about the stigma of having lung cancer. Many lung cancer survivors resent it when people ask them, “Did you smoke?” But, I feel differently. Go ahead and ask me. Why? Because I’m pretty damn sure that even if you don’t ask, I know what you are thinking. If you’re anything like I was pre-diagnosis, you’re assuming I’m a smoker, or a former smoker, or, at the very least, that I’ve been exposed to lots of second-hand smoke. But, you’d be wrong. And, I’d love the opportunity to educate you and as many others as possible about the realities of lung cancer. I think I can do more to dismantle the stigma by inviting the conversation, rather than stifling it. The “Did you smoke?” question is offensive, of course, because it implies that the person deserves their cancer more than other types of cancer patients, and thus merits less support or inferior medical care. The question is sometimes motivated by the inquirer’s need for a false sense of security (the “I’m safe because you smoked and I didn’t” line of thought), which is understandable, albeit patently wrong. But, the inquirer won’t learn how wrong they are if I don’t get a chance to talk with them. If you ask me if I smoke(d), here’s what I’d say (sweetly, of course; I’ll roll my eyes at you later): I am a healthy, never-smoker with lung cancer (I’ve never lived or worked with smokers either, so you can forget that loophole). My story shocks a lot of people, but it shouldn’t. Lung cancer is the #1 cancer killer worldwide. And two-thirds of us are either never-smokers, or long time non-smokers. I am not a fluke, some crazy exception to the rule, easily dismissed. Lung cancer strikes tens of thousands of non-smokers every year. Let’s talk about that stigma head on, as well. What if I did answer that question “Yes, I smoked”? Should that change anything? I’m no tobacco company apologist. I find the habit repugnant, but I separate that from the people who partake (so long as they don’t partake near me). 90% of smokers started their habit before they turned 18, prey to the Svengali marketing magic of a billion dollar industry. Many GIs received cigarettes in their rations from our government. Tobacco is notoriously more addictive than heroin. Can we really abandon people who got hooked on a bad habit in their youth or while serving our country, essentially leaving them for dead? And if so, why only abandon smokers unlucky enough to get the stigmatized lung cancer, even though smoking is a major risk factor in many other maladies (e.g. bladder cancer, stomach cancer, breast cancer, heart disease)? Finally, religion isn’t my area of expertise, but I think the Bible says something about “don’t throw stones because those stones can hurt when they come back in your direction” (I’m paraphrasing) — smoking is a bad choice, but there are plenty of other bad choices that can impact your health. Poor diet, lack of exercise, excessive alcohol, insufficient sleep, these are just a few things that can cause disease. Should we dismiss a patient with breast cancer because of her sedentary lifestyle or potato chip habit? Lung cancer, as my friend Janet says, “has an image problem.” “Stigma” is an ephemeral thing, but it has concrete effects. It is the reason why lung cancer receives dramatically less funding, both federal and private, than any of the other major cancers. And – as a consequence of the insuffiient funding – it’s the reason lung cancer is the most deadly cancer in the world (there is a direct correlation between funding, which supports research, and survival rates). If we can dismantle the stigma, funding and research will increase, and survival rates will improve. My way of combating the stigma is by being as public and vocal as possible. When an infusion lab nurse whispers my diagnosis conspiratorily, as though it’s something I should hide, I respond in full sotto. When someone asks how I’ve been, I share my story, even if it’s a little uncomfortable. Sometimes it’s not easy, but it’s important. It could save lives. It could save MY life. So, go ahead and ask. Make my day. - Lisa Goldman The following was originally published by Jen Todd in The Tennessean on November 18th, 2014. Local breweries are pouring a special beer to fight lung cancer and inviting the public to taste. Stephanie’s Dubbel, a Belgian-style beer made with imported Belgian malts and Dark Candi sugar, was created in honor of Stephanie Weins, the Blackstone Brewing Co. co-founder who died of lung cancer in February. On Sunday, beer lovers can grab a bottle of this limited release brew, with all proceeds going toward lung cancer research, as well as taste beers from Blackstone, Jackalope, Yazoo, Black Abbey, Tennessee Brew Works, Little Harpeth and Fat Bottom. Due to the limited availability of Stephanie’s Dubbel, attendees are encouraged to reserve a bottle with a $20 donation to the cause at www.stephaniesfight.org. The release party is from 4-8 p.m. Sunday at the Nashville Farmers Market, 900 Rosa L Parks Blvd. This blog post was originally published at Chicago Now on November 11th, 2014 by Kerri K. Morris. As the pink glow that illuminates this nation in October fades, let me ask you this. What cancer kills more women each year? Breast cancer or lung cancer?
Since 1987, lung cancer has killed more women than breast cancer every year. In fact, 90% of people diagnosed with breast cancer survive. Only 16% diagnosed with lung cancer do. You would think the savagery of the disease would spark the biggest of all awareness movements, wouldn’t you? Well, November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. You know how I knew? I was walking with my dog on Saturday in a forest preserve and I saw a group of about 12 people walking together. One was holding a sign. I stopped to talk to her and found that her mother died of lung cancer three years ago. This was her memory walk. I thought of the dozens of photos on my newsfeed in October of pink-clad crowds, the status updates about breast cancer, the overwhelmingly supportive feedback extended to those diagnosed. As a person with another of the “smokers” cancers, bladder cancer, I can tell you that I long to see crowds of people dressed in orange during our May walks. Our local Chicago group has been so encouraging, gathering about 50 or 60 people each year, producing t-shirts, raising money. But I can't imagine the army of support that breast cancer survivors receive. It feels so good to be around people who’ve been where I’ve been, among families who’ve lost someone, to honor their memories. It doesn’t cure cancer, but it brings comfort and relieves the alienation and shame. The worst part about lung cancer is its physical brutality and power to destroy. The second, I’m going to guess, is the stigma attached to it. I’ve been present when someone said to a group, “I have a lung cancer.” Another person responded, “Oh, you smoke?” Can you imagine saying to someone with breast cancer, “Oh, you drink too much?” “Oh, yeah, you are overweight.” “Oh, bad genes, huh?” or “Oh, why didn’t you have kids?” I get it. None of these things have the same impact that smoking does in causing lung, bladder, and other cancers. But even if they did, it would be cruel to say them to someone with breast cancer. When we tell people about the calamity afflicting our lives, it’s just plain cruel to shove it back in our faces. It’s true that the vast majority of folks with lung cancer are or were smokers. A friend of mine, who recently died of lung cancer, hadn’t smoked for more than 30 years when she was diagnosed. I’ve never been a heavy or regular or consistent smoker. But apparently Stephanie and I both smoked enough to do the trick. Let me assure you that judgment from nonsmokers, folks who may have never been addicted to nicotine, in no way enlighten, empower, or comfort those of us who are suffering more than you can imagine because of our sins. In fact, that judgment and stigma make it worse and may also create an environment where smokers avoid or delay diagnosis and treatment, encounter a lower quality of care, and face isolation and depression. And, nonsmokers, listen up. Here’s the other thing. Of the people who die each year from lung cancer, 16,000 to 24,000 never smoked. Lung cancer is in the list of the top 10 fatal cancers for nonsmokers. So, please, don’t sit back in your chairs, breathe a sigh of relief and pride because you don’t smoke. Know that our entire community is threatened by this cancer. More people die from lung cancer than breast, prostate, and colon combined. And yet, the National Cancer Institute spent $285.9 million on research for lung cancer in 2013. The NCI spent $559 million on research for breast cancer the same year. If you combine research dollars spent on breast, prostate and colon, you end up with more than $1 billion dollars of research money despite the fact that lung cancer is a magnitude more deadly. It's time we all stepped up to support people with lung cancer and the research to improve the care and treatment of a terrible disease. Join us today. http://jointhefight.yournextstepisthecure.org/ In 1971, Richard Nixon declared war on cancer, but the war against lung cancer never even got started. TODAY is the DAY. The Joan Gaeta Lung Cancer Fund is a VERY proud affiliate of the Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation (ALCF). Join the Fight and tell them that you won't quit on lung cancer patients until we WIN this war.
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths WORLDWIDE, with an estimated 1.4 million deaths each year. More people die of lung cancer in the United States than of breast, prostate, colon, liver, kidney, and melanoma cancers COMBINED. We won’t QUIT fighting for lung cancer survivors and neither should you. |
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