The National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) works to identify areas of unmet need in the cancer research community and brings people together to address these. The NCRI Groups bring together clinicians, scientists and Consumers (patients, carers and family members), amongst many others, to coordinate the development of a strategic portfolio of trials. The NCRI Lung Group has identified lung cancer in never smokers as a key area of focus and are hosting this virtual event to bring the community together to aid the understanding of why lung cancer in never smokers is so prevalent and hard to diagnose, and to identify a key set of priorities to develop practice changing trials.

Lung cancer is highly prevalent in people who have never smoked. Almost 87% of lung cancer cases with known stage are diagnosed late (stages III or IV). Never smokers tend to present with non-specific symptoms which do not immediately trigger a lung screen to take place which means diagnosis often comes late and outcomes worsen.

This event aims to bring together experts to discuss the potential causes and challenges in the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer in never smokers. The panel will seek to identify key unanswered questions and a strategy to tackle them by working on the development of research in this area. By attending this event, delegates will have the opportunity to engage in a multidisciplinary discussion about the key factors to be investigated and discuss potential solutions.

Attendees are welcome to attend the expert presentations and encouraged to join the afternoon discussions to help find solutions, contributing to the strategy setting.

This session has been approved by the Federation of the Royal Colleges of Physicians for 5 category 1 (external) CPD credits.

Aims and objectives

• To engage researchers and clinicians who have an interest in lung cancer in people who have never smoked
• To review the aetiology of lung cancer in never smokers (NS)
• To discuss current management of lung cancer in NS
• To set the research strategy and priorities in lung cancer in NS

By the end of the event participants will have a better understanding of challenges facing this patient population and themes that could underpin a collaborative research program.

Who should attend?
Aimed at professionals interested in research focused on the improvement of detection, treatment and outcomes of lung cancer in never smokers. Including: Scientists, Medical/clinical oncologists, Surgeons, Early career researchers, Nurses, Allied Health Professionals, PhD students, Research Managers/Funders, Consumers and PPI.

Register for your free place