Lung Cancer Canada (LCC) and Boehringer Ingelheim Canada have partnered to advance innovation in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) diagnostics to enable earlier and more accurate diagnoses for Canadians.

The collaboration is a two-stage innovation pathway designed to move from identifying diagnostic gaps to developing tangible solutions.

Lung cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Canada and the leading cause of cancer deaths. In 2025, an estimated 32,900 Canadians will be diagnosed with lung and bronchus cancer, accounting for 13 per cent of all new cancer cases. Approximately 19,400 Canadians are expected to die from the disease—more than breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers combined. 

Despite advances in treatment, nearly 70% of lung cancer cases are diagnosed at a late stage, when options are limited and survival rates are poorer. LCC and Boehringer hope to change that through a two-stage national initiative. 

The first stage, a Diagnostic Innovation Lab, will bring together clinicians, researchers, innovators, and people with lived experience to pinpoint barriers in NSCLC diagnosis and explore new ideas for early detection. Insights from the lab will then shape a national innovation challenge, inviting applicants to develop solutions targeting the diagnostic gaps identified. 

“Earlier and more accurate diagnosis is one of the most powerful levers we have to change the future of lung cancer in Canada. Too many people are still diagnosed late, and that has real consequences for families across this country,” said Dr. Rosalyn Juergens, President, Lung Cancer Canada. 

“This collaboration allows us to bring together the best minds; clinicians, researchers, innovators, and people with lived experience, to reimagine what is possible. By combining deep expertise with an unwavering commitment to people living with lung cancer, we can accelerate solutions that help Canadians get diagnosed sooner and access the care they need when it can make the greatest difference.” 

Selected proposals in the innovation challenge will receive funding to develop transformative ideas, tools, and approaches to strengthen early diagnosis and improve patient outcomes. 

“Collaboration is key to progress,” said Dr. Rasha Eldesouky Abouelabbas, Vice President, Medical and Regulatory Affairs, Boehringer Ingelheim Canada. “By working together with Lung Cancer Canada, we can combine expertise, resources, and passion to accelerate solutions that improve early detection and ultimately change outcomes for people and families affected by lung cancer.” 

“Lung cancer touches every community in this country, yet access to timely diagnosis remains far too uneven. This collaboration allows us to take a focused, national approach to understanding where the gaps are and then supporting innovators who can help close them,” said Shem Singh, Executive Director, Lung Cancer Canada. “When we improve early detection, we improve equity. We give people a better chance at treatment.” 

By driving awareness and igniting innovation, Lung Cancer Canada and Boehringer Ingelheim Canada aim to build a future where lung cancer is detected earlier and treated more effectively—demonstrating the power of multi-stakeholder collaboration against one of Canada’s most urgent health challenges.