Changing the narrative of lung cancer to improve prevention for non-smokers

Lung cancer is most often linked to smoking. But due to exposure to cancer-causing substances such as arsenic, radon gas and air pollution, lung cancer can also occur in people who have never smoked. Yet, in several provinces in Canada where screening programs are being implemented for people at high-risk of lung cancer, only a person’s age and smoking history are currently considered in the risk assessment. 

With funding from the Canadian Cancer Society, this research team is working to make sure environmental factors are considered when assessing a person’s risk of lung cancer. Using state-of-the-art infrastructure and employing expertise and patient experience from across Canada, the team aims to identify biological markers of risk related to arsenic, radon and air pollution and develop a monitoring system for air pollution (specifically tiny particles called PM2.5) to better understand how it affects our cells and elevates cancer risk. They will also explore how best to communicate and raise awareness about these risks and influence lung cancer screening programs.  

The results of this research will provide actionable information around environmental exposures to improve personalized lung cancer risk assessment, inform screening criteria and programs and improve lung cancer early detection efforts across Canada. 

Total Amount Awarded over 5 years: $ 5,197,879.98