ALK Positive Lung Cancer UK

Lung cancer treatment delays could get even worse. NHS England has pulled funding for AI technology that was already helping cut radiotherapy waiting times—by up to 3 days for people with lung cancer. This AI auto-contouring tech was designed to speed up planning for radiotherapy. Instead of taking staff up to two and a half hours per patient, the AI can do it in under five minutes—freeing up vital NHS capacity. The government had promised £15.5 million to support this rollout across England. Now, that funding has been withdrawn. Experts say this could add up to 500,000 days of delays across breast, prostate and lung cancer radiotherapy. When every day matters, decisions like this are not just disappointing. They’re dangerous. #LCSM #AIHealthcare #LungCancerAwareness

Debra Montague, Vice President of Lung Cancer Europe (LuCE) and Chair of ALK Positive Lung Cancer UK, has joined the Medscape Faculty Steering Committee as Patient Representative. She brings both lived experience and years of advocacy across the lung cancer community, helping shape the resources Medscape creates for oncologists and healthcare professionals around the world. “Too often, people with lung cancer are an afterthought. This role is a chance to bring our voices into the heart of medical education.” — Debra Montague Debra takes over from LuCE President Anne-Marie Baird, continuing Medscape’s long-standing commitment to making sure the patient perspective is part of clinical education. #LCSM #LungCancerAwareness

This month the UK Lung Cancer Coalition (UKLCC) released a new report revealing that many people with lung cancer are waiting many weeks for genomic test results-far beyond the recommended 14-day target. ▪️Only 60% of tests in England are delivered on time. ▪️Some lung cancer test samples are still sent by second-class post. ▪️Without genomic results, people can't access the right treatment. This isn't just frustrating-it's life-threatening. We stand with the UK Lung Cancer Coalition in calling for faster, transparent, and accountable genomic testing across the NHS. Read the full report 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eqznuR3E #LungCancer #GenomicTesting

Really important topic, especially as the opportunity to take part in a trial is diminishing across Europe. Clinical trials are a life-line to patients when there are no other options so we need to ensure pharma & researchers appreciate the need for trial sites to be globally available and aren’t just set up in places with easier to navigate approval systems.

Really moving and important words from our Fundraising Trustee, Callum, who is taking on six marathons in six days to raise awareness of ALK+ lung cancer. Thank you for your amazing advocacy, Callum. #LCSM

These were just some of the incredible individuals who shared their stories for All You Need Is Lungs 2024—a collaborative campaign from ALK Positive Lung Cancer UK EGFR Positive Lung Cancer UK and the Ruth Strauss Foundation for Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Their voices helped challenge assumptions, raise awareness of non-smoking, mutation-driven lung cancers, and reached hundreds of thousands—sparking important conversations and helping others feel less alone. Planning for the 2025 campaign is now well underway. Storytelling will remain at the heart of the campaign, with a new thread exploring the role of self-care in life with lung cancer. The campaign aims to reflect the full diversity of the community and is particularly keen to include those whose voices have been underrepresented to date. 📢 To learn more or register interest in taking part:
https://lnkd.in/efCKTET3 #LCSM #LungCancerAwarenessMonth #LungCancerAdvocate

This afternoon, Debra Montague, Chair of ALK+ UK, is bringing ALK+ lung cancer into the conversation at the National Oncology Trainees Collaborative for Healthcare Research (NOTCH) Research Symposium. This event is all about living with and beyond cancer, bringing together oncologists, researchers, and patient advocates. It’s an opportunity to make sure ALK+ lung cancer isn’t overlooked - raising awareness of the challenges our community faces and why earlier diagnosis and better support matter. Debra will be sharing her journey, the growth of ALK+ UK, and the impact of our key advocacy work, including: • All You Need Is Lungs – raising awareness that anyone can get lung cancer, regardless of age or smoking status, and encouraging people with persistent symptoms to see their GP. • See Through The Symptoms – challenging outdated ideas about lung cancer so that GPs and healthcare professionals spot the signs earlier. Events like NOTCH Research Symposium are a chance to connect, share knowledge, and make sure ALK+ lung cancer is part of the bigger conversation on cancer research and survivorship. #LCSM #LungCancerAwareness #NSCLC #NOTCH2025

Emma was diagnosed with stage IV ALK+ lung cancer two years ago. She’s just completed the Alloa Half Marathon and is now training for the London Marathon—raising awareness of this rare cancer and the importance of community, connection and practical help beyond treatment. “When I was diagnosed, I came across ALK Positive UK and immediately felt less alone. The community lifts me up when I’m feeling low, gives me advice when I’m confused about results, and celebrates life and cancer milestones alongside me. My husband and I were also supported with free life coaching sessions (with Jane Woods) which really helped me feel more positive about my diagnosis and more able to face my fears and worry less about them.” Emma is running to help others affected by ALK+ lung cancer find what she found. #RunningwithCancer #ALKPositive #LondonMarathon #LungCancerAwareness

Studying ALK+ lung cancer? This could fund your next discovery. The AACR-ALK Positive Lung Cancer Research Fellowship offers $130,000 to support postdocs, clinical fellows, and early-career researchers working on ALK+ lung cancer. Focus areas include: • New treatment strategies beyond ALK-targeted therapies • Identifying and eliminating persister cells • Discovering new therapeutic targets in ALK+ NSCLC 📅 Deadline: May 15, 2025 📍 Open worldwide – Apply now! 🔗 https://lnkd.in/ecazDBb9 If you work in ALK+ lung cancer research, or know someone who does, take a look and help spread the word. 📷 Image: Lung Cancer Metastasis National Cancer Institute #LCSM #ALKPositive

Last year, 175 people joined us for our ALK+ Lung Cancer Patient Conference—and the feedback speaks for itself. This event is a rare chance to be in a room with others who truly get it and to hear directly from leading ALK+ experts, including for 2025: 🔹 Prof. Sanjay Popat 🔹 Prof. Alastair Greystoke 🔹 Dr. Tom Newsom-Davis 🔹 Dr. Sharmistha Ghosh 🔹 Dr. Fabio Gomes Attendees will learn from top UK specialists, connect with others living with ALK+ and get the latest on treatment, research & care It’s free for UK ALK+ patients + 1, including hotel and travel. 📍 Radisson Red, London Heathrow 📅 26-28th September 2025 For more info and to book https://lnkd.in/e5Z8PFw6 #LCSM #ALKPositive