Young Lung Updates

A newsletter from the Young Lung Cancer Program

Welcome to the July edition of Young Lung Updates!

We're excited to share opportunities to connect, learn, and support your well-being this month. Inside, you'll find information about an important research study, upcoming wellness programs, community resources, and events created specifically for young adults affected by lung cancer.

Thank you for being part of our community. If you have questions or would like to learn more, visit our Young Lung Cancer Program webpage or email younglungcancerprogram@dfci.harvard.edu.

Narjust Florez, MD

To our patients, caregivers, and the entire young lung cancer community,

Thank you for being here. Whether you are newly diagnosed, years into survivorship, or caring for someone you love, this newsletter was created with you in mind.

Lung cancer in young adults comes with challenges that are often invisible to the outside world. Because it is usually thought of as a disease of older age, younger patients can face delays in diagnosis, disbelief from those around them, and questions that extend far beyond treatment – questions about fertility and family planning, parenting, careers and finances, relationships, and mental health. No one should have to face those questions alone, and within this community, no one ever will.

That is why we founded the Young Lung Cancer Program, the first program in the nation dedicated to young adults with lung cancer. Our team brings together specialists in thoracic oncology, genetics, supportive care, and survivorship, connecting patients to resources at every stage, while our research aims to understand young-onset lung cancer so we can diagnose it earlier and treat it more precisely.

In each issue of this newsletter, you will find program and research updates, new treatments and clinical trials, practical resources, and stories from people who understand this experience firsthand. We also hope you will join us for our Young Lung Cancer Virtual Forum this November, a chance to learn, ask questions, and connect with our team and community from wherever you are. More details are coming in the months ahead.

- Narjust Florez, MD, co-director, Young Lung Cancer Program

The EQUAL Study

The EQUAL study is a research study evaluating a blood-based test designed to detect specific genetic changes (EGFR mutations) that may be associated with lung cancer. This study focuses on individuals of East Asian and Latinx/Hispanic background who do not currently smoke and may not qualify for routine lung cancer screening.

Participation will include a blood draw, with optional surveys or focus groups about experiences and perspectives related to lung cancer screening. Some participants may also choose to contribute samples to an optional biobanking study. Study results may help improve future approaches to lung cancer screening for communities that are currently underrepresented in research.

Interested in participating?

Contact:

equalstudy@dfci.harvard.edu

857-215-2794

Podcast Spotlight: Lifestyle Medicine and Lung Cancer

Can you exercise during treatment? Does sugar really feed cancer? On the latest episode of Missing Conversations in Lung Cancer, Narjust Florez, MD, sits down with lifestyle medicine specialist Dr. Paulo Bergerot and oncology dietitian Dr. Krystle Zuniga to separate myth from evidence on exercise and nutrition, with practical tips to help you feel stronger during and after treatment.

Watch or listen here: Lifestyle Medicine and Lung Cancer: From Exercise to Nutrition

Sound Bath Meditation (In Person)

Wednesday, July 29

Take time to recharge and join the Leonard P. Zakim Center for Integrative Therapies and Healthy Living for an in-person sound bath meditation led by Megan Carleton, ATR-BC, LMHC.

Experience the calming sounds of crystal singing bowls in the Mind Body Studio. Open to Dana-Farber patients and caregivers.

Register through the MyZakim Class Schedule (login required).

Sexual Health Support for Cancer Patients and Survivors

Cancer and its treatment can affect many aspects of life, including sexual health, intimacy, and relationships. Dana-Farber’s Sexual Health Program provides compassionate, confidential support and guidance for patients and their partners throughout treatment and survivorship.

The program offers personalized counseling, education, and resources to help patients navigate changes in sexual health and well-being. Services are available for individuals and couples of all genders and sexual orientations.

Learn more or connect with the Sexual Health Program:
Call 617-632-4523 or email sexualhealthprogram@dfci.harvard.edu

A Moment of Calm: Expressive & Mindful Practices Mini Retreat (In Person)

Join the Leonard P. Zakim Center for Integrative Therapies and Healthy Living and Megan Carleton, ATR-BC, LMHC, for a mini retreat focused on guided mindfulness and expressive practices. The retreat will include a calming sound bath experience designed to help ease stress and promote inner peace. No experience is needed! Feel free to bring a cozy blanket for your comfort.

Wednesday, August 26

10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Registration: Email zakim_center@dfci.harvard.edu to reserve your spot.

Community Resource: The Dempsey Center

The Dempsey Center offers free counseling, wellness programs, support groups, nutrition, and integrative therapies for anyone impacted by cancer — including patients, survivors, and care partners. Many programs are available virtually.

Registration is now open for the inaugural Young Lung Cancer Program Virtual Patient Forum!

Join us this November for our inaugural two-session virtual patient forum on Thursday, Nov. 19, from 5–7:15 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 21, from 10 a.m.–12:15 p.m. You’ll be able to learn from experts, connect with other young adults affected by lung cancer, and engage with the broader young lung cancer community.

We hope to see you there!

Looking for a place to relax, connect, or recharge between appointments? The HomeGoods Young Adult Lounge is a welcoming space for young adults to connect with peers, access young adult resources, and learn about programs and events.

Located in Smith 330 (third floor, near the Yawkey Center for Cancer Care), the lounge is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.