A lung cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming, isolating, and frightening. Fortunately, no one needs to face this journey alone.
Andrea Ferris
President and CEO, LUNGevity Foundation
One of the most powerful tools in navigating a lung cancer diagnosis is access to high-quality information and the support of a strong community made up of fellow patients, caregivers, and advocates. Through shared experiences, practical advice, and emotional support, this network offers an invaluable lifeline.
In recent years, online platforms like LUNGevity’s Patient Gateways, Lung Cancer Support Community, virtual meetups, and Facebook groups have emerged as crucial resources that help connect individuals across the country and beyond with each other. LUNGevity’s website and educational materials also provide valuable information to help understand their diagnosis.
Finding the right community
Being part of a supportive community can make all the difference. From offering practical, non-medical advice on managing symptoms to sharing hope through treatment successes, the collective knowledge and encouragement found in these groups can help reduce the feeling of isolation that’s far too common.
The LUNGevity Patient Gateways provide both community and curated resources for specific types of lung cancer, including those identified by biomarker testing. Carefully curated and medically vetted content ranging from understanding a diagnosis to accessing the latest treatment options, the Gateways are a trusted guide through the lung cancer landscape. Additionally, they offer practical advice, such as how to manage side effects, tips for improving quality of life during treatment, and how to communicate effectively with healthcare providers, along with patient stories from fellow people diagnosed with lung cancer.
The Lung Cancer Support Community is an online forum for all people living with or caring for someone with lung cancer. The wealth of information and experiences in this community makes it a place for everyone to ask questions, offer support, create friendships, and find hope through the strength of others.
Weekly virtual meetup groups offer face-to-face conversations and deeper connections. These small groups create a special bond between those who join to foster a supportive and welcoming space. Whether it be helping someone process news from a recent appointment or celebrating a treatment win, these meetups bring together people who care about the health and happiness of others.
The multitude of Facebook groups hosted by LUNGevity helps people find specific communities to join. From treatment-focused groups to groups for biomarker-specific types of lung cancer, there are multiple groups for everyone to find support and information.
For caregivers, these communities provide vital support as well. Understanding how to best care for a loved one, navigating treatment plans, and balancing personal responsibilities can be challenging. A community of caregivers provides a safe space for exchanging tips, resources, and encouragement.
Advancing scientific and patient research
In addition to supporting the largest lung cancer community, LUNGevity is the leading nonprofit funding transformative lung cancer research. With more than $54 million invested since 2002, the research we invest in is focused on the potential to revolutionize outcomes for those diagnosed with and living with lung cancer.
LUNGevity’s patient-focused research center, Patient FoRCe, conducts studies to understand the lived experience of people diagnosed with lung cancer in order to better serve the community and effect policy and practice change.
Everyone affected by lung cancer can play an important role in creating better diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship outcomes, whether it be lending support and advice to others, participating in research to make their wants and needs known, or funding research to advance scientific knowledge.
Staying engaged and informed
Signing up for LUNGevity’s curated newsletter is a simple but effective way to stay informed about the latest lung cancer news. Delivered straight to your inbox, the newsletter includes important updates, survivor stories, and helpful tips.
Visit LUNGevity Foundation and LUNGevity’s Patient Gateways to learn more about the different ways to meet others, find support, and start living well with lung cancer. With community support, everyone living with lung cancer can navigate their diagnosis and treatment with confidence and hope.
