Chicago, IL (August 25, 2015)—

The American Lung Association, currently funding more than $6.49 million in groundbreaking research, continues its investment in lung health research, expecting to offer at least $6.5 million dollars in new grants in fiscal year 2017, including a new research award with a focus on lung cancer in women.

“Today, more than ever, funding medical research is at the core of the American Lung Association’s mission to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease,” said Harold P. Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association. “Our research builds healthier futures by funding the most innovative and inquisitive scientific minds to create a world free of lung disease for future generations.”

The organization is interested in receiving applications now for the next funding cycle beginning July 1, 2016, from researchers seeking to:

• Develop improved methods of early detection, identify new targeted therapies and find novel treatments for lung cancer

• Improve self-management of both asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

• Examine mechanisms of inflammation and abnormal airways activity in obstructive lung diseases

• Improve treatments for lung diseases such as asthma, lung cancer, COPD and pulmonary fibrosis

• Move scientific discoveries from the laboratory to the patient’s bedside.

Among the nine types of grants with applications now available, the Lung Association also announced the new LUNG FORCE Research Innovation Project: Lung Cancer in Women Award. This award funds $400,000 divided over three years to support groundbreaking research focusing on the impact of lung cancer in women.

“The reality is that lung cancer is the number one cancer killer of women, and anyone can get lung cancer,” Wimmer said. “To defeat lung cancer, there is an urgent need to advance treatment options and early detection.”

Lung cancer in particular has one of the lowest survival rates of all cancers, with fewer than half (48.5 percent) of women diagnosed surviving the disease for one year. Lung cancer in women is on the rise, as the rate of new lung cancer cases in the last 37 years has fallen 28 percent among men, while increasing 98 percent among women. Most lung cancer is diagnosed late, when the survival rate is lowest. Improving early detection can help make the disease more treatable and survivable with a better quality of life.

“The American Lung Association is committed to investing in promising lung cancer research, as well as research focusing on asthma, COPD, pulmonary fibrosis and other lung diseases,” Wimmer said. “Breathing is essential to life, and we’re here to support and advance research that improves lung health and saves lives.”

Applications are now available for American Lung Association funded research opportunities. Learn more about current and upcoming award opportunities, application deadlines and how to apply at Lung.org/grant-opportunities.

For media interested in speaking with an expert about promising research, contact the American Lung Association at Media@Lung.org or 312-801-7628.

###

About the American Lung Association The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease, through research, education and advocacy. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to improve the air we breathe; to reduce the burden of lung disease on individuals and their families; and to eliminate tobacco use and tobacco-related diseases.  For more information about the American Lung Association, a holder of the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Guide Seal, or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org.