A newsletter from the Young Lung Cancer Program 

Thank you for reading the second issue of our Young Lung Updates newsletter. As we continue to grow and improve this program, we truly value your thoughts and feedback. 

For general comments or questions about resources, please email younglungcancerprogram@dfci.harvard.edu. 

For clinical questions or urgent concerns, please contact your care team directly. 

Lung Cancer Diagnoses Among Non-Tobacco Users

Our Program Co-Director Narjust Florez, MD, was recently featured on Good Morning America in a segment about the rising number of lung cancer diagnoses in people who do not use tobacco. 

We're Here to Help: How to Choose a Wig 

Former WCVB reporter and breast cancer survivor Kelley Tuthill, treated at Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center, shares practical tips on choosing and wearing a wig with confidence. Learn how to find the right style, keep it secure, and feel your best during treatment. 

Join Dana Farber's Online Cancer Community 

Dana-Farber CancerConnect is a platform of online communities where patients, survivors, family members, and friends can come together and share information with others living with cancer.  

To join, visit our Dana-Farber CancerConnect page. 

Mind-Body Vitality: Free Personalized Qigong and Tai Chi Sessions

Join the Zakim Center’s Tai Chi master for free,  ongoing  virtual Qigong and Tai Chi classes on Wednesday afternoons. These gentle practices use slow movement, breathing, and mindfulness to support strength, flexibility, balance, and overall well-being. 

These classes are open to Dana-Farber young adult patients (ages 18 to early 40s) who are in treatment or post-treatment for cancer or a blood disorder. Please register to receive the Zoom link. 

Young Lung Cancer Study

Were you diagnosed with lung cancer at a young age? You may be eligible to take part in the Young Lung Cancer Study: a research study focused on understanding how and why lung cancer develops in young adults.

By learning more about genetic and environmental factors, researchers hope to improve early diagnosis and develop more personalized treatments for future patients.

Who can join?

You may be eligible if:

You were diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) or small cell lung cancer (SCLC)

AND

You were 45 or younger at the time of diagnosis

Why participate?

Your participation can help researchers better understand lung cancer in young adults and improve care for future patients.

Want to learn more?

Email younglungstudy@dfci.harvard.edu or call 617-632-4795 to connect with the study team.

Adult Resource Office

Cancer can affect many parts of your life, including your finances. If you are worried about paying for non-medical expenses – such as short-term housing, food, utilities, parking, or transportation – or if you have other practical barriers to getting your care, Dana-Farber’s Adult Resource Office may be able to help. 

To discuss your options, call 617-632-3301 (press option 2).  

Interested in sharing your art in our resource centers? 

Selected art will be showcased on digital screens in Dana-Farber’s resource centers at our Chestnut Hill and Longwood campuses, for all visitors to enjoy.  

 Stupid Cancer Database

A national online support community for adolescents and young adults (AYAs) affected by cancer. In addition to providing resources for AYAs with cancer, Stupid Cancer offers virtual meetups, discussion series, and conferences to help you connect with others who understand what you’re going through. 

Base2Summit Adventure Camp 

The Base2Summit Adventure Camp is a free six-day outdoor adventure in Northern Michigan for young adults (ages 18 to 40) living with cancer, combining hiking, biking, kayaking, and time to relax by the water, offering both physical activity and space to recharge. 

Looking for a place to relax between appointments?

Check out the HomeGoods Young Adult Lounge at Dana-Farber’s Longwood campus – a space thoughtfully designed by and for patients ages 18 and older. The lounge offers a warm, comfortable, age-appropriate environment where young adults can:

Rest before, after, or between appointments

Connect with other young adult patients

Access resources tailored to young adults

To learn more, call 857-215-2291