TOP NEWS
Lung Association Among 48 Organizations Opposing New Medicaid Work Requirements Rule
We recently led 48 nonpartisan, nonprofit patient advocacy organizations in opposing a new Medicaid rule requiring individuals to prove they are unable to work. The new directive imposes what the coalition described as “massive paperwork burdens on patients and providers,” likely resulting in massive coverage losses, according to a joint statement. “Our organizations are deeply concerned the interim final rule does not protect people with serious or complex health conditions and would instead dramatically and inappropriately increase the number of people who will lose their healthcare coverage.”
Events
This Fall: Walk, Run or Ride in Support of Lung Health
As we wrap up our spring and summer events with the “Trek Across Maine” (June 19-21), it’s the perfect time to start planning for our nationwide fall events, including Cycle For Air and LUNG FORCE Walks and Run/Walks.
Cycle for Air:
- September 25-27—Cape Cod, Massachusetts
- October 17—Dunedin, Florida
LUNG FORCE Walks and Run/Walks
- September 13— Wheaton (Chicagoland), Illinois
- September 26—Bridgewater, New Jersey
- September 26—Hamburg, New York
- September 27—Cleveland, Ohio
- October 17—Charleston, South Carolina
- October 24—Long Island, New York
RESEARCH
American Lung Association-supported Lung Cancer Research:
Shedding Light on How the Lung Repairs Itself After Severe Infection
New research in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology sheds light on why small cell lung cancer (SCLC) often returns after initially responding to chemotherapy. The study found that a protein called YAP1 emerges in tumors after treatment and appears to help cancer cells survive, spread and resist further therapy—making it a potential biomarker and future treatment target for relapsed disease. Lung Association-funded researcher Lauren Averett Byers, MD, of University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, contributed to this work.
Rethinking How Lung Cancer Treatments Reach Tumors
A recently published paper in Nature Cardiovascular Research highlights promising advances in next-generation lung cancer treatment using nanotechnology to deliver therapies more precisely and effectively to tumors. The research reflects growing momentum around mRNA- and nanoparticle-enabled strategies designed to improve treatment response while potentially reducing side effects associated with conventional therapies. The study included Wei Tao, PhD, of Brigham and Women’s Hospital, whose work was supported by a Lung Cancer Discovery Award.
Your Health
Decoding, Debunking and Understanding Asthma Medications
ICS, OCS, LABA, SABA, SMART, MART. At first glance, they sound less like medicine and more like a Scrabble or Wordle game. But these acronyms are some of the building blocks of asthma care and treatment. The challenge is figuring out what they mean, how they work together, how to use them correctly, and which combination is right for you or your loved one. Read more.
Advocacy
Bi-partisan Bill Aims to Strengthen and Expand National Asthma Control Program
The Lung Association recently led a coalition of 17 organizations in support of the Elijah E. Cummings Family Asthma Act (HR 6052). This bipartisan bill would help strengthen and expand the reach of CDC's National Asthma Control Program, the only federal program dedicated to asthma prevention and surveillance, to all states.
Lawmakers Introduce Legislation to Boost Lung Cancer Screening Access
On May 19, Senators Durbin (D-Illinois) and Hirono (D-Hawaii) introduced the Increasing Access to Lung Cancer Screening Act, mirroring a House companion bill introduced late last year. The legislation would expand access to lung cancer screening and quit smoking treatments for all people with Medicaid coverage and remove barriers like prior authorization requirements.
A Mother’s Reflections on Raising a Child with Cystic Fibrosis
While six months pregnant, Natalie learned that her baby may have an intestinal blockage. After an emergency C-section in 1986, her son was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, a chronic, genetic condition that causes thickened mucus to form in the lungs, pancreas and other organs, creating lung damage and making it difficult to breathe. Without appropriate treatment, cystic fibrosis can be life-threatening. Despite the challenges associated with his condition, Natalie says her son—who is now married and in his 40s—had a normal and productive childhood, thanks to major advances in Cystic fibrosis research and treatment. Read Natalie’s story.
Blog last updated: June 12, 2026
