Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation

World Lung Cancer Day is a chance to reflect on how far we’ve come in improving outcomes for people affected by lung cancer, while recognising there is still more to do. Thanks to research, earlier diagnosis, lung cancer screening, improved treatments and the support of our incredible community, more people are living longer and better with lung cancer than ever before. Over the past three decades, the story of lung cancer has changed dramatically.

Ten days ago, the lung cancer community lost one of its shining lights. Ever since her diagnosis in 2021, Jules Fielder made the decision to do everything she could to change the face of lung cancer and help others get diagnosed far quicker – and hopefully much earlier – than she did. Jules started working as a charity advocate in 2022 when she joined our awareness campaign – On the Right Path – for lung cancer awareness month. We were filming in a house in London.

People with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in England are set to benefit from a new NHS-funded treatment option after the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommended cemiplimab in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy for certain patients.

More than 10,000 lung cancers have now been detected through the NHS Lung Cancer Screening Programme, with mobile scanning units based in supermarket car parks, sports stadiums and busy high streets helping thousands of people access potentially life-saving checks closer to home.

With the Tobacco and Vapes Bill now agreed by both the House of Commons and the House of Lords – making it illegal to sell tobacco to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009 – we look at what this could mean for lung cancer and the health of future generations. Our chief executive, Paula Chadwick, comments: “The Tobacco and Vapes Bill marks a significant step towards a future where far fewer people develop lung cancer – by preventing smoking before it starts.

In January 2020, experienced skier, Ian, was enjoying the slopes in Austria when a devastating accident changed everything in an instant. After eight days in hospital – and an anxious wait to rule out brain damage – he was finally able to return home. Wanting to make sure his recovery stayed on track, Ian booked a routine check-up with his GP. It felt like a sensible next step. In reality, it was a decision that would go on to save his life.

Researchers from University Hospital Birmingham are currently recruiting for their Thrombo-Stop trial. The clinical trial aims to prevent blood clots in people with lung cancer. Blood clots in deep veins, usually in the legs, are called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Clots in the lungs are called pulmonary embolism (PE). Both are common complications of lung cancer. They can reduce quality of life and may be fatal, so prevention is very important.

Betsy, from Maidenbower in West Sussex, took on our Walk 31 Miles in March challenge, choosing to fundraise for Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation after her own unexpected lung cancer diagnosis and treatment journey. For several years, Betsy had been part of the NHS Lung Cancer Screening Programme, attending annual CT scans in mobile units based in supermarket car parks. It was during one of these routine screenings that a small nodule was first identified on her right lung.

This April, a team of six incredible women will line up at the start of the London Landmarks Half Marathon with one very special person in their hearts. Their team name says it all: Miles & Smiles for Sean. Julie, Sean’s wife, will be joined by Debbie, Tracy, Sue, Karen and Carey – Sean’s sister-in-law and a close circle of dear friends. Together, they’re taking on 13.1 miles to honour a man who meant the world to them and to celebrate the legacy he leaves behind.

At just 21 years old, Emily from Woodbridge is taking on her very first London Marathon – and she’s doing it for someone incredibly special. Emily is running in memory of her beloved nan, Nicky, who was diagnosed with advanced, inoperable lung cancer in 2017 despite being a fit, healthy non-smoker. Nicky fought the disease with extraordinary strength for five years, taking part in clinical trials and ongoing treatment, and never once allowing it to define her.