#USA #New York #Lung Cancer #Air Pollution #Research Grant

New Funding Initiative for Lung Cancer Research

On January 12, 2026, the Lung Cancer Research Foundation (LCRF) and Oncology Advocates United for Climate and Health – International (OUCH-I) announced the opening of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for their new research program. This initiative aims to investigate the profound impact of environmental pollution and climate change on lung cancer prevalence, diagnosis, treatment, and overall patient outcomes. The joint effort is supported by AstraZeneca, with a total grant amount of $200,000 allocated for promising projects over a two-year time frame.

The importance of this research cannot be overstated. Increasing evidence suggests that air pollution is a significant contributor to the development of lung cancer. Since 2007, estimated deaths from lung cancer linked to air pollution have surged by nearly 30%, highlighting a growing public health crisis. Factors such as industrial emissions and wildfires have been identified as key pollutants that exacerbate lung cancer risk among both smokers and non-smokers alike.

Dr. Joan Schiller, founder of OUCH-International and a longstanding board member of LCRF, emphasizes the need for research that elucidates the relationship between air pollution and lung cancer. She states, "Recognizing that exposure to air pollution is the second-largest risk factor for lung cancer should be central to discussions within the lung cancer community. By funding research to better understand the effects of air pollution on the development of lung cancer, we hope to enable more effective risk recognition, screening, and education among patients and healthcare professionals."

Despite declines in smoking rates, lung cancer incidence has been on the rise, particularly among women with no identifiable risk factors. Dr. Antoinette Wozniak, Chief Scientific Officer at LCRF, notes, "The more we understand about all major risk factors driving lung cancer, the better equipped we will be to diagnose earlier or even prevent lung cancer from developing." This statement underscores the necessity of addressing environmental variables impacting lung cancer beyond traditional smoking habits.

Interested researchers have until June 2, 2026, to submit proposals for this funding opportunity. All submissions will undergo a thorough evaluation by the Scientific Advisory Board of LCRF and the team at OUCH-International to select the most impactful projects.

For details on eligibility, application requirements, and guidelines on how to submit proposals, interested parties can visit LCRF's Funding Opportunities page.

About the Collaborating Organizations

Lung Cancer Research Foundation (LCRF): As a leading nonprofit entity dedicated to funding innovative lung cancer research, LCRF has awarded nearly $53 million in research grants over the years. With 450 grants awarded, the organization is committed to improving outcomes for lung cancer patients through focused research on prevention, diagnosis, and treatment innovations.

Oncology Advocates United for Climate and Health – International (OUCH-I): This nonprofit organization stands out as a nonpartisan group focusing on the intersection of climate change and cancer care. With a mission built on advocacy, education, and research, OUCH-I aims to mitigate climate's effects on cancer treatment while emphasizing health equity and sustainability in oncology.

Both organizations are enthusiastic about the potential findings from this innovative research program, which may lead to critical advancements in the understanding and management of lung cancer in the face of environmental challenges. As stakeholders in lung cancer care continue to confront rising incidence rates, the findings from these research grants could prove invaluable for future strategies and policies surrounding lung cancer prevention and treatment.