Best Lung Cancer Charities

Want to support a lung cancer organization? Your top option may depend on its priorities. Many of the best lung cancer charities focus on different goals—such as raising funds for research or supporting people living with the disease.

The seven lung cancer organizations listed here are among the leading national and global groups. Each has a four-star (the highest) rating from Charity Navigator, indicating it pursues its mission in the most fiscally responsible way.

LUNGevity

While many nonprofit organizations focus on one aspect of lung cancer, LUNGevity casts a wider net. The organization funds research, raises awareness about the disease, lobbies for changes in public policy, and provides resources for patients and caregivers.

For people living with lung cancer, the LUNGevity website is a rich source of up-to-date information on diagnosis, treatment, and support. It also has resources for caregivers, including in-person programs.

GO2 for Lung Cancer

Founded in 1995, GO2 for Lung Cancer provides information and support for people living with lung cancer. It also works to address public policy, talking with lawmakers and other key decision-makers who are responsible for disease advocacy.

G02 offers free one-on-one support via phone or online chat to help patients and their families navigate everything from screening and treatment to clinical trials and referrals. The organization also hosts a monthly live meeting (which people can attend in-person or virtually) that gives people the opportunity to hear from doctors and researchers on a variety of disease-related topics.

The American Lung Association

While the American Lung Association (ALA) supports people with a wide range of lung diseases, lung cancer is its priority. It's also focused on helping people quit smoking and improving air quality.

The organization publishes several annual reports—including the State of Lung Cancer—that increase awareness of the disease. In addition, ALA hosts many events nationwide, such as the LUNG FORCE walks, that raise funds to support lung cancer research and advocacy.

International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC)

The IASLC is an international organization focused solely on supporting lung cancer research. Through the organization's regular meetings, researchers from around the globe share their findings with oncologists worldwide. The IASLC also provides scholarships for lung cancer patients and advocates to attend these meetings.

Lung Cancer Foundation of America

The Lung Cancer Foundation of America supports lung cancer research, with a focus on funding studies that can lead to potential cures. However, the organization is also striving to shift public perception of the disease by providing educational resources for patients and sharing personal stories of people living with lung cancer.

CancerCare

If you want your dollars to help patients and their families specifically, CancerCare may be the best lung cancer charity. The CancerCare mission is based on the principle that a lung cancer diagnosis is a family's diagnosis. The organization provides resources, education, and support for family caregivers of people with lung cancer.

The group holds Connect Education workshops, hour-long talks that highlight everything from the latest advances in lung cancer treatment to tips for family caregivers. CancerCare also offers online counseling and lung cancer support groups.

A Breath of Hope Lung Foundation

Since it's founding in 2008, A Breath of Hope (ABOH) Lung Foundation has invested nearly $3 million in lung cancer research. In addition to funding research, the organization advocates for early screening, and provides support services for people living with lung cancer and their families.

ABOH hosts a monthly virtual support meeting for patients, survivors, and caregivers. The organization also provides transportation and companionship for people near their headquarters in Twin Cities, Minnesota.

Summary

There are many nonprofit lung cancer organizations. Each has a specific focus—such as funding research, supporting people living with lung cancer, or a combination of goals—that drives how they use the funds they raise.

Ultimately the best lung cancer charities are those whose mission resonates the most with you. You might also consider regional organizations that are not on this list but are making a difference in your local area.