Free ME From Lung Cancer

02/04/2026

Misinformation is costing lives by discouraging lung cancer screening. A joint statement from major US medical societies warns that harms of low-dose CT screening are often misreported—fueling fear and keeping people from a test that can save lives.

Find out more about how misinformation may be reducing lung cancer screening and what experts say about the real evidence.

02/04/2026

Today, on World Cancer Day, we’re standing with everyone affected by cancer—and shining a light on lung cancer, which remains the leading cause of cancer death worldwide.

At Free ME From Lung Cancer, we believe awareness leads to action: earlier detection, better access to care, stronger support for patients and families, and continued research toward new treatments.

02/03/2026

Lung cancer survivorship needs long-term follow-up beyond the chest. A study of nearly 500 people treated for stage I–III NSCLC found 23% developed a second primary cancer—including ~8% non-lung cancers—often 4+ years after treatment. The most common non-lung cancers included breast, prostate, pancreatic, and head & neck, and many were found because of symptoms (not routine screening).

Survivors of non-small cell lung cancer are at risk for both second primary lung cancers as well as non-lung secondary malignancies years after definitive local therapy.A retrospective evaluation of nearly 500 patients found almost a quarter developed second primary malignancies, including 8% with b...

02/02/2026

Air pollution isn’t just “bad for you”—it may be linked to specific lung cancer subtypes. A large study reported that nitrogen dioxide (traffic-related pollution) was associated with adenocarcinoma, ozone with large cell carcinoma, and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) with multiple lung cancer subtypes. Clean air is a health issue, and we need stronger protections for our communities.

Both particulate and gaseous air pollutants were linked with subtypes of lung cancer in research published in Environmental Pollution. The analysis showed that nitrogen dioxide was associated with ade...

01/29/2026

A great story here from WABI in Bangor in recognition of Radon Awareness Month. Our founder and CEO Deb Violette spoke with reporter Keenan Mills. Remember, we offer radom abatement services and may be able to help you! Visit our website for more information.

January is nationally recognized as Radon Action Month, and experts are encouraging homeowners to ensure their homes are safe.

01/27/2026

We are pleased to share that Free ME from Lung Cancer recently presented a check to support matching funds for MaineHealth’s Early Lung Cancer Screening Program. Snow Tardiff, Program Manager, Maine Medical Center, Lung Cancer Screening Program and MATRIX Lung Nodule Conference, is pictured receiving the check from Deb Violette, President and Founder of Free ME from Lung Cancer.

01/26/2026

Free ME from Lung Cancer presents a $10,000 check for Northern Light Mercy Hospital’s Early Lung Cancer Screening Program.

Receiving the grant is Cynthia Faulkner, President Northern Light Foundation. Presenting the check is Free ME from Lung Cancer’s President and Founder Deb Violette.

01/21/2026

Free ME From Lung Cancer
Are you all training for the great Save Your Breath 5k and Silent Auction October 18th? I don't know if you saw my race platform email but we are going to be giving bibSNAPS to the first 100 registrations this year. Certificates for one free pizza at Cushnoc Brewing for all who register. I know Cushnoc Brewing is one of Central Maine Striders favorite treats. Pizza will also be served during award ceremony and auction wrap up. We have some great auctions items already. A three hour cruise and two days' admission to the Maine Maritime Museum, a beautiful landscape water color on canvas, two nights stay in any deluxe room and dinner for two at the Hartstone Inn in Camden, one nights stay in a deluxe fireplace room for two adults and two children also located in Camden, one night stay at the Brunswick Hotel with a $50 credit to Noble Kitchen & Bar and so so much more. Its going to be a great event. Register today to ensure you receive on of our our bibSNAP sets.

Learn more about lung cancer, radon air abatements, early lung cancer screening and the latest in lung cancer research from Free ME from Lung Cancer

01/20/2026

In this powerful piece, advocate Jill Feldman calls on all of us to shift the narrative from shame and blame to hope and humanity. Lung cancer is not a morality story, and no one “earns” or “deserves” this disease.

Jill Feldman: Shifting the Lung Cancer Narrative From Shame and Blame to Hope and Humanity / cancer, Carter Bawam, Jamie L. Studts, Jill Feldman, Lung cancer,

01/19/2026

Some news from Ireland. This story follows a Dublin man diagnosed at stage 1 after a free screening through a pilot program, showing the power of early detection: “they got it at a stage where they could do something about it.”

A retired Dubliner, who had no symptoms of lung cancer, has told how a ground-breaking offer of free screening led to him finding out early he had the disease – being spared a late diagnosis.

01/16/2026

January is National Radon Awareness Month: Protect your Family From this Deadly Gas

Radon a colorless odorless gas, is a hidden threat lurking in homes across the United States. As the second leading cause of lung cancer, radon claims approximately 21,000 lives annually. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had designated January as National Radon Action Month to raise awareness about this preventable health risk.

Radon is a naturally occurring gas produced by the breakdown of uranium in soil and rocks. It can seep into homes through cracks in foundations and walls, and through our well water, accumulating to hazardous levels. Exposure to radon is a serious health concern, particularly for smokers, who are 10 times more likely to develop lung cancer. Testing is crucial, as radon levels vary greatly from home to home. The Maine state Environmental Protection Agency states that one in every three homes has radon high enough to warrant mitigation.

Testing is simple and inexpensive. You can call the Maine State Public Lab, private laboratories, or a registered radon contractor to get a test kit. Specify if you are in need of testing your water, air or both. Test usually run about $40.00 each. The EPA recommends testing homes every two years or after significant renovations.

If your test results show levels above the EPA standards take action. Hire a registered radon mitigation professional to install a reduction system. Seal cracks and openings in your home’s foundation and rest your home after the mitigation system has been installed.

Last Year 310 Maine citizens were diagnosed with radon induced lung cancer and 165 lost their battle to radon induced lung cancer. Don’t wait - test your home today for radon and protect your health.
For more information visit Free ME from Lung Cancer's website at www.freemefromlungcancer.org or Maine State Center for Disease Control and Protection at https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/healthy-living/health-and-safety/drinking-water-safety/public-water-systems/information-for-consumers/drinking-water-contaminants/radonRemember, radon awareness is key to prevention. Spread the word and save lives!

01/14/2026

Lung cancer wasn’t on her radar. She was 38, active, a mom of three, and had never smoked. But when chest pain wouldn’t go away, Nichole Molinaro pushed for answers. Doctors found an early-stage lung cancer nodule “by accident.” Her story is a powerful reminder that lung cancer can affect anyone.

Nichole Molinaro was a 38-year-old active mother of three when she was diagnosed with lung cancer. She shares how an early diagnosis and the expertise of Hackensack Meridian Health saved her life.