Stanford CARE Lung Cancer Initiative
Stanford Lung Cancer Summit: Understanding Lung Cancer in People Who Have Never Smoked
The Stanford Center for Asian Health Research and Education (CARE) hosted the Stanford Lung Cancer Summit: Understanding Lung Cancer in People Who Have Never Smoked at Stanford University on March 11–12, 2025.
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 concerning trend suggests a potential genetic predisposition and underscores the urgent need for targeted research, clinical guidance, public health policy, and awareness efforts to address this health disparity.
This multidisciplinary summit brought together leading experts in basic and translational research, physicians, and advocacy groups from around the world to share cutting-edge findings. Together, participants worked toward a coordinated roadmap to confront the healthcare disparities surrounding lung cancer in never-smokers.
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 Never-Smoker 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.