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What Can We Help You Find?

  • How to detect lung cancer
    • How do you know if you are at risk for lung cancer?
    • 7 Signs of Lung Cancer You Should Know – OLD
    • Types of lung cancer
  • Understanding diagnosis
    • What Do I Need To Know About Genetic Mutation Testing?
    • I Am Going to Have My Tumor Tested for Mutations, What Should I Expect From the Procedure?
    • What If I’m Told I Can’t Get My Tumor Tested?
    • What is ALK-positive lung cancer?
    • What is EGFR-positive lung cancer and how is it treated?
    • What is ROS1-positive lung cancer and how is it treated?
    • Small Cell Lung Cancer Research: What You Need To Know
  • What are the latest treatments available besides chemotherapy and radiation?
    • Targeted Therapies
    • What Targeted Therapies Are Currently Available?
    • Immunotherapies
    • Should I be seeking a second opinion?
    • Is There a Type of Physician That Specializes in the Treatment of Lung Cancer?
    • I Have Found a Thoracic Oncologist That I Feel Comfortable With, What Is Next?
  • Lung Cancer Facts: 29 Statistics and Figures
  • Lung Cancer Resources

How Can I Have My Lung Cancer Tested?

First, there needs to be enough tumor tissue available for testing. A “fine needle aspiration,” or “FNA,” biopsy may not provide enough tissue. A “core needle biopsy” is more likely to provide sufficient tissue for testing. If you had your tumor surgically removed, there likely will be enough tissue available for testing.

Secondly, you or a loved one need to advocate on your behalf and speak to your oncologist about having your tumor tested for molecular mutations. You may be required to undergo another procedure to obtain enough tissue, but the potential benefits of knowing the mutation status of your tumor may, in most instances, outweigh the risks of most biopsies. New gene mutations are regularly being discovered, and targeted therapies are being developed for these mutations.

Therefore, in order to take advantage of emerging therapies, and to maximize your treatment options, it is suggested that you request that your doctor order your tumor be tested for a wide range of gene mutations.


It is very important to insist on having comprehensive genetic profiling of your lung cancer tissue.  
Some lung cancer patients report being told that there is no treatment option for them.  If no biomarker testing has previously been done for these patients, the next step is to make sure to get the biomarker testing done, if at all possible.  For more information:

  • Don’t Guess Test – an initiative, supported by Lung Cancer Foundation of America, along with 15 other lung cancer advocacy organizations, aimed to expand awareness and educate patients about precision medicine and the importance of comprehensive biomarker testing in lung cancer.
  • NCI-Designated Cancer Centers – NCI-designated cancer centers deliver cutting-edge cancer treatments to patients in communities across the United States. Find a center near you and make an appointment for a second opinion.

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  • About Lung Cancer
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    • Latest Research
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  • Living with Lung Cancer
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    • Hope With Answers℠ Podcast
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Our Mission

LCFA’s mission is the improvement in survivorship of lung cancer patients through the funding of transformative science.

While raising funds to support lung cancer research, LCFA will raise the public’s awareness and serve as a resource for patients or anyone seeking answers, hope, and access to updated treatment information, scientific investigation, and clinical trials.



Latest In Research

01/12
2021

Lung Cancer Screenings Are Down

From Diagnostic Imaging An early analysis shows that low-dose CT screening for lung cancer has still not fully rebounded, leading to later detection of cancers. The news may not be surprising, but a study published today verifies wha…

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