According to the National Cancer Institute, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. (with over 230,000 new cases diagnosed just in 2021). The five-year survival rate is low, at 21%, due to the rapid and early spread of malignant cancer cells that originally formed in the lung tissue. Risk factors include smoking, secondhand smoke, environmental factors, and HIV infection.
Cancer Center at Illinois scientists are working together to better understand, and prevent, this disease. CCIL research teams have developed lung cancer models, utilized improved imaging technology for faster diagnostics, studied more effective therapies, and created studies around preventative measures — all in the hope of improving patient outcomes and saving lives.
