The American Lung Association has published its 2026 Lung Health Barometer, revealing that public awareness of lung cancer screening remains alarmingly low. The nationwide survey found that only 33% of respondents knew that low-dose CT (LDCT) scans are available for people at high risk of developing lung cancer. Early screening plays a crucial role in detecting the disease at a stage when treatment options are more effective and survival rates are higher. The report was released ahead of World Lung Cancer Day, observed annually on August 1.

Conducted every two years, the Lung Health Barometer is now in its eighth edition and evaluates public understanding and perceptions of lung cancer across the United States. The latest survey gathered responses from 4,000 adults, providing nationally representative insights that help guide the association's efforts to improve awareness, encourage early detection, and reduce the burden of lung cancer.

According to Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association, the findings underscore the urgent need to improve public education about lung cancer and the availability of screening. Despite remaining the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, many people are still unaware of screening options that can identify the disease early. Wimmer also noted that a large proportion of adults have never discussed their personal lung cancer risk with a healthcare provider, limiting opportunities for timely diagnosis and treatment.

Key findings from the 2026 Lung Health Barometer include:

The survey highlights a significant gap between advances in lung cancer prevention, screening, and treatment and the public's understanding of these developments. Increasing awareness of screening eligibility, personal risk factors, and the impact of lung cancer on both women and men will be essential to ensuring that more people benefit from early diagnosis and the medical advances that have significantly improved patient outcomes in recent years.

The Mary Kay Ash Foundation, a steadfast advocate for women’s health, safety, and empowerment, has announced nearly $3 million in new grants dedicated to advancing women’s cancer research and supporting domestic violence shelters across the United States. Since its founding in 1996, the Foundation has contributed more than $98 million toward its dual mission: eradicating cancers that primarily affect women and ending domestic violence.

2025 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SUPPORT

Domestic violence shelters across all 50 states and U.S. territories each received an unrestricted $20,000 grant, totaling over $1 million. These funds will bolster critical services such as legal advocacy, counseling, facility upgrades, childcare, job readiness programs, and other life-saving initiatives.

Four North Texas shelters—Denton County Friends of the Family, Hope’s Door New Beginning Center, Genesis Women’s Shelter & Support, and The Family Place—each received $25,000 to address unique local needs and deliver essential services to survivors of abuse.

The Foundation renewed its partnership with The National Domestic Violence Hotline, the nation’s premier resource for abuse survivors and their allies. Together, they are launching a nationwide campaign emphasizing trauma-informed education, community engagement, and tools to help individuals recognize and respond to abuse. The collaboration includes webinars, downloadable materials, and educational video series.

For the 19th consecutive year, the Foundation supported The Conference on Crimes Against Women (CCAW), a leading annual event in Dallas, Texas, that unites nearly 3,000 professionals to address all forms of violence against women. The multidisciplinary conference fosters collaboration across communities and organizations. Its 20th edition was held in May 2025.

 
2025 CANCER RESEARCH & PROGRAMS SUPPORT

Ten prominent cancer researchers from leading U.S. institutions received $100,000 each to support innovative studies targeting cancers that disproportionately affect women.

A $100,000 grant was awarded to the Amy Selkirk Breast Cancer Research Fund to continue Dr. Joyce O’Shaughnessy’s groundbreaking clinical trial investigating weight loss inhibitors as a means of preventing breast cancer recurrence in overweight patients.

Celebrating a 25-year partnership with CancerCare—the nation’s foremost provider of free, professional cancer support services—the Foundation continues funding the Touching Hearts program. This initiative offers financial aid to women facing cancer, with over 50,000 grants distributed and $5.6 million in total assistance provided to date.

 

A $25,000 grant was awarded to Cancer Support Community North Texas to sustain free support programs for individuals undergoing cancer treatment and their caregivers. Services include counseling, wellness activities, yoga, crafts, and other therapeutic offerings that foster healing and hope.

“For nearly three decades, the Mary Kay Ash Foundation has operated with one guiding belief: when women thrive, communities flourish,” said Michael Lunceford, President of the Mary Kay Ash Foundation Board of Directors. “By funding cutting-edge women’s cancer research and strengthening resources for domestic violence survivors, we are helping to build healthier, safer, and more empowered communities where women can live fuller, longer lives.”