Highlights from 2nd Lung Cancer Health Equity Summit

The 2nd Lung Cancer Health Equity Summit, held in Atlanta on November 18-19, focused on “Black and Latino populations navigating lung cancer: problems and solutions”.

The event brought together stakeholders from various sectors to highlight successful solutions aimed at reducing disparities and improving outcomes for these communities.

Speakers from health systems, advocacy groups, and research institutions shared impactful programs and policies. The summit emphasized addressing barriers such as access to care, insurance, and cultural competency. It also provided a platform for discussing the need for targeted research and fostering collaboration to create long-term, systemic change in lung cancer care.

Rochelle G Prosser:

“Day 1 of the 2nd Annual Lung Cancer Health Equity Summit is complete and it was packed with stellar presentations from Community Planning and Environment Educators, Clinical Researchers, Geneticists, Oncologist, Thoracic Surgeons, Veterans Administration, Community Organizations, Facilities, Pharma and Entrepreneurs! Many thanks to the PCOM in Swanee, GA and Winston Price for hosting this event for STEMM & Cancer Health Equity and Eugene Manley, Jr for curating such a wonderful conference. Looking forward to Day 2!”

Estela Rodriguez:

“Great meeting other researchers like radiologist Lauren Groner who are as passionate about lung cancer health equity and community engagement.”

Orchid Healthcare Solutions:

“Lung Cancer is the second leading cause of death to cancer patients second only to Breast cancer in Women and Prostate cancer in Men. Yes, lung cancer has the least amount of funding and the highest amount of patient blame. What patients, caregivers and the general public need to know is it is NOT the patients fault. Learning the history in and around lung cancer is paramount to change in care and therapeutic development in Lung cancer.

Orchid Healthcare Solutions is honored to actively support education and awareness in Lung cancer research and development with STEMM & Cancer Health Equity and Chris Draft to bring together stakeholders and partners all dedicated in the cause to eradicate disparities Lung cancer patients face finding solutions to their care.”

Lauren Kriger Groner:

“Important panel wth Eugene Manley, Chris Draft, Jim Pantelas about stigma + nihilism plaguing and hindering progress in the fight against Lung Cancer.

PSA from Chris Draft: If you believe that people affected by lung cancer matter, then prove it thru action!”

Sarah Louden:

“I had the chance to speak at the 2nd Annual Lung Cancer Equity Summit with SCHEQ and Eugene Manley, Jr. about ‘Social Media for Advocacy and Education,’ and wow—what an amazing group of women showed up!

These women are making real change in lung cancer, whether through research, advocacy, community programs, or clinical work.

I loved helping them find new ways to share their voices on social media, connecting with audiences to reach and teach!

I left inspired by their passion and commitment and the promise of social media connectivity!”

Rochelle G Prosser:

Day 2 has come to a close on the 2nd Annual Lung Cancer Health Equity Summit and I must admit it was even better than Day 1.

From Excellent morning breakfast session by industry leaders to Outstanging Poster Sessions, intreging Panels and robust presentations on Pulmonary Medicine Work force development and lung cancer Navigation team building. All wrapping up with Patient Advocacy and Oncology Nurse Navigation. All issues within the expanding Lung Cancer outreach and engagement were discussed.

We had representatives from across the fabric of America. From the shores of California, to the valleys of the East coast and many States within the heartland, Professionals all came together to find solutions in expanding Lung Cancer Awareness and outreach to patients where they need services the most. For all patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals in Lung Cancer, living in and with Lung Cancer still goes on! To find resources or assistance in Lung Cancer please connect with STEMM & Cancer Health Equity Foundation, Orchid Healthcare Solutions or Frank Weinberg,Rohan D. Jeremiah,Mary Pasquinelli.”

Lauren Kriger Groner:

“The phenomenal Dr. Estela Rodriguez delivers a powerful talk + call to action re addressing disparities in lung cancer treatment and survivorship.

This is not just a U.S. issue, it’s a global issue!”

Jason Porter:

“Addressing disparities in lung cancer care at the 2nd Annual Lung Cancer Health Equity Summit in ATL, GA. Amazing sessions today. Now discussing artificial intelligence. It’s hardly artificial. I’m all for renaming it ‘assimilated intelligence!'”

Estela Rodriguez:

“Always inspired when meeting ⁦Chris Draft⁩ and hearing his powerful story of patient advocacy for lung cancer by bridging communities and getting to the heart of the matter and action!”

Sarah Louden:

“At the Lung Cancer Equity Summit, we came together to deliver a simple but powerful message: GET SCREENED!

Lung cancer screening saves lives, but the reality is heartbreaking. While millions of people qualify for screening, only a small percentage actually get screened.

Screening rates are especially low in Black and Brown communities, where disparities in healthcare access and trust play a huge role.

So, who should be screened for lung cancer?

Adults aged 50–80 who have a 20-pack-year smoking history (equivalent to smoking 1 pack a day for 20 years).

Current smokers or those who quit within the last 15 years.

And YES, never-smokers can still be at risk. 1 in 5!!

What does screening look like? It’s quick and non-invasive—usually a low-dose CT scan that can detect lung cancer early, when it’s most treatable.

Screening isn’t just for smokers. It’s for anyone at risk. If we want to close the gap and save lives, it starts with awareness and action.

Let’s change the stats. Let’s get screened.”

Lauren Kriger Groner:

“Superstar physician-scientist Coral Olazagasti talks about the importance of mentorship to enhance workforce diversity.

Dr. Olazagasti is brilliant, kind, passionate, engaging, and lovable as all get-out! Sky is the limit for her!”

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