Stanford CARE Lung Cancer Initiative

Stanford Lung Cancer Summit: Understanding Lung Cancer in People Who Have Never Smoked

Lung cancer in people who have never smoked disproportionately affects Asian populations, with studies indicating higher incidence rates among non-smoking Asian women compared to other ethnic groups. This alarming trend suggests a genetic predisposition and underscores the urgent need for innovative research, clinical guidance, public health policies, and awareness campaigns to address this critical health disparity.

On March 10–11, 2026, CARE will host the Stanford International Lung Cancer Summit, convening Stanford clinicians, researchers, national, and international experts to explore the evolving landscape of lung cancer among individuals who have never smoked. This multidisciplinary summit will build on the momentum from our inaugural 2025 summit to bring together leaders across oncology, epidemiology, radiology, pulmonology, and molecular science to share cutting-edge research, emerging discoveries, and the latest in screening practice with the goal of developing a coordinated roadmap to reduce disparities and improve outcomes in this historically overlooked patient population.

Learn more about our upcoming international summit

Stanford CARE Monthly Community Health Talk on "Addressing Lung Cancer in Asian Americans: Screening, Treatment, and Advancements"

Stanford CARE Monthly Community Health Talk on "Lung Cancer Screening, Incidence, and Outcomes in Asian Americans"

CARE Media Coverage on Never-Smoker Lung Cancer

Heather Wakelee, MD, Stanford CARE’s Lead Faculty for the Stanford Lung Cancer Initiative and Deputy Director of the Stanford Cancer Institute, was featured in a KPIX media interview discussing never-smoker lung cancer in Asian Americans.

Jeffrey Velotta, MD, a CARE Global Faculty member, led a thoughtful discussion on lung cancer in the AAPI community, which was featured on Fox News.

A New Stanford Course on Never-Smoker Lung Cancer: MED 275 – From Diagnosis to Dialogue: A Doctor's Real-Time Battle with Cancer

Bryant Lin, MD, Clinical Professor of Medicine, provides a first-person perspective on receiving a diagnosis of stage 4 never-smoker lung cancer in May 2024, which had metastasized to his brain, liver, and bones. The course consists of Dr. Lin sharing his personal experiences, accompanied by weekly talks from leading Stanford cancer clinicians and researchers who discuss all aspects of his case—including cancer screening, diagnostics, caregiving, policy, therapy, and spiritual care. This unique course will appeal to students interested in learning about advanced-stage cancer from both patient and physician perspectives, almost in real time.

The course recording is now available for viewing on the Stanford CME YouTube channel here.

Lung Cancer Guide

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Learn more in the Lung Cancer Guide created by Stanford CARE.