Lung cancer remains one of the most prevalent cancers in the United States, affecting more people than breast, ovarian, and colon cancers combined. Yet misconceptions about who can develop the disease persist, according to Dr. Laurie Matt-Amaral, a medical oncologist at Cleveland Clinic Akron General.

"We see a lot of patients who get diagnosed with lung cancer and have never been a smoker," Dr. Matt-Amaral said during a recent interview for Lung Cancer Awareness Month. "They have no exposure, potentially, and the cause is really unknown."

While smoking remains a significant risk factor, Dr. Matt-Amaral explained that secondhand smoke exposure, asbestos, radon, pollution, and other environmental factors may contribute to lung cancer development. The medical community continues researching these potential triggers.

A particularly concerning trend is the increase in younger patients being diagnosed with lung cancer and other cancers. Dr. Matt-Amaral noted that in recent weeks, she has treated patients younger than herself with metastatic cancers of various types.

"There's really been a focus from a researcher's perspective," she said. "We're just seeing so much of it in younger people."

The rise in younger diagnoses may stem from both increased awareness and an actual increase in cases. Dr. Matt-Amaral observed that younger generations are more proactive about seeking medical care when symptoms appear, while researchers work to identify potential causes and preventive measures.

While vaping and marijuana use show evidence of causing lung damage, Dr. Matt-Amaral emphasized that researchers have not yet established a direct causal link to cancer. However, she noted that any changes to lung tissue DNA can increase cancer risk.

One challenge facing younger patients is being taken seriously by healthcare providers. Dr. Matt-Amaral acknowledged this concern but said the oncology community has worked to educate physicians that cancer can affect anyone, regardless of age or exposure history.

"Some people have had to see two, three, four doctors to sort of get their complaints addressed and come to find out it's a real cancer," she said.

Current screening guidelines from organizations like the American College of Physicians and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force have not changed, partly because researchers still do not fully understand all risk factors. However, Dr. Matt-Amaral suggested that unexplained symptoms warrant investigation.

Warning signs include a persistent cough, unexplained weight loss, coughing up blood, chest discomfort, and new shortness of breath during normal activities. Dr. Matt-Amaral stressed that coughing up blood requires emergency attention.

For those who smoke, Cleveland Clinic Akron General offers a smoking cessation program with specialized nurses who help patients access resources and develop quit plans. Dr. Matt-Amaral recommends a gradual approach rather than quitting cold turkey, such as reducing cigarette use by one or two per day or per week.

Treatment advances, particularly immunotherapy, have improved outcomes for lung cancer patients. Dr. Matt-Amaral said researchers continue developing new drugs and personalized treatment approaches based on each patient's specific cancer characteristics.

"I always look forward to being able to tell someone, hey, your cancer has this molecular abnormality, but good news, I have a drug to go with it," she said.

Clinical trials are available locally through Cleveland Clinic Akron General and Cleveland Clinic's main campus, as well as through other major medical centers in the region and nationwide. Dr. Matt-Amaral encouraged patients to discuss clinical trial options with their oncologists.

Her message for Lung Cancer Awareness Month is clear: lung cancer can happen to anyone. The best defense is open communication with healthcare providers, attention to symptoms, and smoking cessation for those who smoke.

Monica Robins is not a medical doctor. All content presented in this program is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. Always seek the guidance of your personal doctor or qualified healthcare professional with any questions regarding your health or medical condition.

Medical research funding in Northeast Ohio continues to face significant challenges, with federal grant approval rates dropping to historic lows while private donations increasingly fill critical gaps in clinical trial support.

Dr. Theodoros Teknos, President and Scientific Director of University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, reports that while NIH and NCI funding levels have remained stable, the competition for grants has intensified dramatically. Currently, only about 8% of submitted grants receive funding, down from approximately 20-22% when he began his career in medicine.

"There's no question it's been very stressful because there's been a lot of uncertainty," Teknos said during a recent interview. The low funding rate means approximately 1 in 12 grants gets approved, leaving many important studies without government support.

Private philanthropy has become essential to maintaining research momentum. Kathy Coleman's recent $3.5 million gift to the "Because of You: The Campaign for University Hospitals" will fuel expansion of the Kathy and Les Coleman Clinical Trials Center. This donation brings her lifetime giving to more than $14 million, all given in memory of her late husband, former Lubrizol Corp. chairman and CEO Lester Coleman Jr. These funds help offset clinical trial costs, which can range from $50,000 to $100,000 per patient.

The funding challenges are particularly concerning for young scientists entering the field. Dr. Teknos notes that many brilliant PhDs are choosing industry careers over academic research due to concerns about securing funding and job security.

Despite these challenges, University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center continues expanding its clinical trial portfolio. The center currently offers more than 400 clinical trials annually and plans to triple its capacity by 2030. As a member of the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, UH Seidman is one of only seven cancer centers in the country with access to novel drugs from the National Cancer Institute.

The institution is developing innovative CAR-T cell therapies through the Wesley Center for Immunotherapy, which can create these specialized cells in just 24 hours compared to the industry standard of 12-30 days. UH is one of only 11 academic medical centers successfully manufacturing CAR-T cells for patient use. Additionally, researchers are advancing theranostic treatments that combine imaging and targeted radiation delivery.

Coleman's donation will relocate the clinical trials center into a dedicated 16,000-square-foot space on the main campus, centralizing care and making room for new machinery to expand theranostic investigations. The expansion will also enable University Hospitals to bring phase one clinical trials directly to community locations, making cutting-edge treatments more accessible to patients who cannot travel to the main campus.

"Clinical trials are critical for so many reasons," Coleman said. "On a global level, they help advance research and move us closer to cures; but for individuals and families, I know personally the hope they bring."

The institution maintains its commitment to serving Northeast Ohio patients while navigating an increasingly competitive research funding environment. More information about the "Because of You" campaign is available at UHGiving.org.

Monica Robins is not a medical doctor. All content presented in this program is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. Always seek the guidance of your personal doctor or qualified healthcare professional with any questions regarding your health or medical condition.