funding cancer research & cancer-related projects

Lung cancer is the #1 cause of cancer deaths in Arkansas. Survival rate is 70% if caught early (stage 1) but drops to less than 20% if caught at a later stage. This makes lung cancer screenings essential for early detection and treatment. 

Grant funds provided to CHI St. Vincent will provide screenings to 20 uninsured patients.

CARTI grant funds will be applied to the Lung Cancer Screening program, specifically new research to identify biomarkers in blood and/or tears in patients with early stage lung cancer.

Every day, patients with cancer need a ride to treatment. But many don't have a way to get there. Access to transportation to and from treatment is a critical factor in whether patients receive and complete their lifesaving cancer treatments. 

The American Cancer Society is committed to eliminating obstacles to healthcare and promoting equitable access for cancer patients. Grants funds are applied to the ACS "Access to Care" program here in Arkansas.

Our Promise House is located in Hot Springs Arkansas. Cancer patients now have a place to stay at no cost while they get their much-needed cancer treatment. Some treatments must be administered daily and commutes of more than 1-2 hours each way is unbearable when you are not feeling well. Cancer treatments are expensive, but the added costs associated with travel and lodging can make it cost prohibitive for some patients.  Grant funds will be applied to support costs of housing.

Cancer research is expensive to the tune of millions of dollars. At UAMS, the Seeds of Science program provides "seed money" to cancer researchers so they can collect the data needed that may someday lead to new treatment strategies. Grant funds will be awarded to one of the two 2024 Seeds of Science winner. 

The 2023 Seeds of Science project was Dr. Abdallah Hayer for new treatments for one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancers.

Some people are at higher risk to develop certain cancers. When you have multiple close family members who all have the same type of cancer, develop cancer at a young age or an uncommon cancer (example: men who get breast cancer), you may have inherited it or have a gene mutation. Genetic testing can provide you with key information that can help you make more informed decisions regarding current or future healthcare or treatments. Not everyone needs genetic testing, but those that do, often find that their insurance doesn’t cover it. 

Lung cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the lungs. The two major categories are non-small cell (NSCLC) and small cell (SCLC). It is the leading cause of death in the USA accounting for about 1 in 5 cancer deaths. Each year, more people die from lung cancer than colon, breast and prostate cancers combined.

· 87% of all lung cancers are non-small cell, the remaining 13% is small cell.

· In 2025, it is estimated that 226,650 new cases identified (110k men, 116k women)

· In 2025, about 124,730 deaths due to lung cancer

· Average age at diagnosis: 70

· The rate of lung cancers is dropping as fewer people are smoking and earlier detection / treatments are found.

What causes lung cancer? Most people who develop lung cancer have smoked in their past. Anyone who has smoked one pack a day for 10+ years is at greater risk.

Types of Lung Cancer: 

· Non-small cell lung cancer: accounts for 80-85% of all lung cancers; tends to be slower growing than small cell lung cancer. Nonsmokers rarely get this type.

· Small cell lung cancer: accounts for 10-15% of lung cancers. Fast growing and responds well to chemotherapy. However, high recurrence rate.

Smoking is the leading risk factor for lung cancer. There is no difference if it is cigarettes are cigars, “light” (low tar) or regular. The more you smoke, the higher the risk. Not all people who smoke get lung cancer and some who have never smoked do develop lung cancer.