Did you know that more than 8,000 people are diagnosed with lung cancer each year in North Carolina? Five-year survival for lung cancer has been improving, and is now 21%, thanks to research, screening and earlier diagnosis, and better treatment options. However, once diagnosed with lung cancer – patients face a large financial burden as the result of costs associated with their work-up, diagnosis, and treatment. Studies have shown that ‘financial toxicity’ associated with lung cancer treatment is substantial – and often forces patients to make difficult decisions about how they spend their money, on their cancer treatment or their other basic needs.
Transportation to and from treatment facilities represent one category of costs that adds-up for patients over the course of lung cancer treatment. As a result, in December 2023, the UNC Epidemiology – Lund Research Group hosted a gas card drive, in partnership with the Lung Cancer Initiative (LCI) to help support patients during their lung cancer treatment. The LCI (https://lungcancerinitiative.org/) is a leading nonprofit in North Carolina that provides support to the lung cancer community by connecting patients, survivors, and loved ones with the medical and research community.
In total, our group raised $250 in gas cards for the LCI!