LOS ANGELES (October 17, 2016) – A study from Gundersen Health System, La Crosse, Wisconsin, reveals to the value of blood-based genomic and proteomic testing in patients with lung cancer at the time of initial diagnoses. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) refers to a group of cancers that share common characteristics but have different genetic features that make them more or less responsive to specific treatments. In this study, genomic and proteomic testing of blood specimens rapidly identified genetic mutations that determined optimal, personalized treatment. Compared with testing of biopsy specimens, the blood tests yielded both important diagnostic information much faster (within 72 hours) regardless of disease stage, and significantly decreasing the wait period between diagnoses and the start of treatment.

    World Lung Cancer Day commemorates, celebrates and supports those impacted by lung cancer

    GLENVIEW, Ill.  (July 29, 2016) – On World Lung Cancer Day on 1 August, the Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS) and its members celebrate and support those impacted by lung cancer. FIRS joins the grassroots efforts of the lung cancer community to raise awareness about lung cancer and its global impact, creating an educational movement of understanding lung cancer risks as well as early treatment around the world.

    The Forum of International Respiratory Societies and Its Global Members Aim to Raise Awareness About Lung Cancer on World Cancer Day

    Cape Town, Glenview, Lausanne, Montevideo, New York, Paris, Tokyo, February 1, 2016 – In recognition of World Cancer Day on February 4, the Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS), alongside members of the Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS), support the World Cancer Day: 'We Can. I Can.' campaign. The global campaign highlights how everyone, as a collective or as individuals, can do their part to reduce the global burden of cancer. FIRS is also using the day to highlight the global burden of lung cancer.

    INVESTMENT AND ACTION NEEDED TO END TB

    Cape Town, Glenview, Lausanne, Montevideo, New York, Paris, Tokyo, March 24, 2016 -In support of World TB Day, 24 March, the Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS) calls for united efforts to mobilise the financial and human resources to end tuberculosis (TB).

    Cape Town, Glenview, Lausanne, Montevideo, New York, Paris, Tokyo, November 18, 2015. World COPD Day is observed each year in November to highlight the burden of this chronic respiratory disease affecting more than 200 million people globally and causing about 3 million deaths annually. COPD is the sixth major cause of death and disability in low- and middle income countries and is projected to become the third cause of death by 2020. The economic burden is enormous, in the US alone total costs for COPD were estimated to be about 50 billion USD in 2010.