Lung Cancer Advocacy: The Importance of Support, Awareness and Community

For Nicole Echols, attending the Lung Cancer Initiative (LCI) Summit was about connecting with people who share her commitment to improving the lives of patients, caregivers and survivors.

As CEO of the South Carolina Cancer Alliance, Echols works to strengthen cancer care and advocacy. She also has a personal connection to lung cancer through a friend who is currently undergoing treatment.

At LCI's 2026 Summit, Echols spoke with CURE about the importance of bringing the lung cancer community together, reducing stigma and making sure patients and caregivers know they have support.

Why LCI's Summit Matters

Echols said she was drawn to LCI because of its work supporting research, caregivers and survivors.

"They are a great group of folks that really are changing the game," she said.

She believes gatherings like the LCI Summit are important because they bring patients, survivors, caregivers, advocates, researchers and health care professionals together.

"I want to meet new friends, meet new partners," Echols said. "We can all get together and make some change."

For Echols, that shared passion creates an opportunity for people to learn from one another and work toward improving the lung cancer experience.

Supporting Patients, Survivors and Caregivers

Echols emphasized the importance of having a strong support network throughout a lung cancer journey.

LCI offers resources and programs for people affected by lung cancer, including patients, survivors and caregivers.

That support matters because a lung cancer diagnosis affects more than the person receiving the diagnosis. Caregivers and loved ones may also need information, emotional support and resources.

Breaking the Stigma Around Lung Cancer

One issue Echols wants to see discussed more is the stigma surrounding lung cancer.

"I think some of the other cancers get more love and attention," she said. "There is also a stigma that we have with lung cancer, and I'd like that to change."

She believes people with lung cancer deserve the same compassion and understanding as anyone facing a cancer diagnosis.

"At the end of the day, it doesn't matter," Echols said. "You want to survive, you want to take care of your family, you want to be productive, just like anyone else."

The Importance of Early Detection and Biomarker Testing

Echols also highlighted the importance of conversations around early detection and biomarker testing.

"We talked a lot about biomarker testing. We talked about early detection. We talked about reducing the stigma," she said.

While she acknowledged that progress in these areas isn't happening as quickly as advocates would like, she believes continuing these conversations is an important step forward.

Echols' Message to Lung Cancer Advocates

For people advocating for the lung cancer community, Echols' advice is simple: work together.

"We're here, we're doing the work. Hold hands, stand together," she said.

She believes advocates can have a greater impact when they share accurate information and work toward a common goal.

Her Message to Someone Newly Diagnosed

Echols also wants newly diagnosed patients to know that they don't have to face lung cancer alone.

"There are people here for you," she said.

She encourages patients to lean on friends and family while also seeking out the larger network of support available through organizations such as LCI.

"There is someone always that is willing to listen to you and hear you at any time," she said.

For Echols, that sense of community is at the heart of lung cancer advocacy: making sure patients, caregivers and survivors feel supported, heard and connected.

For more news on cancer updates, research and education, don’t forget to subscribe to CURE®’s newsletters here.