We’re on a mission to enable early detection of lung cancer to help ensure patients get timely care.
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide*
Five-year relative survival rate when lung cancer is diagnosed at a localized stage (2015-2021 data; U.S. CDC, 2025)**
Five-year relative survival rate when lung cancer is diagnosed at a metastatic stage (2015-2021 data; U.S. CDC, 2025)**
Awareness of the signs and symptoms may help increase the chance of finding the disease before it spreads.
In the fight against lung cancer, early detection can be critical
In the U.S., only 16% of those eligible per the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force screening guidelines underwent lung cancer screening in 2022.*** In a report published by the American Cancer Society (ACS), screening rates for some other cancers were much higher, with 69% for breast cancer and 65% for colorectal cancer in 2023, and 76% for cervical cancer in 2021, based on those eligible for screening per the ACS guidelines. Globally, some countries are beginning to roll out national lung cancer screening programs. However, among countries that have launched these initiatives, participation is low.
Lung cancer cases in the U.S. not diagnosed until a late stage (2017-2021; ALA 2024 State of Lung Cancer Report)
Mission Lung Cancer brings together our efforts to break down the barriers that stand in the way of early detection of lung cancer.
Our goal is to enable early detection of lung cancer to help ensure patients get timely care. Through initiatives grounded in strategic collaborations, scientific insights and innovative technologies, we’re working to be the catalyst for change.
* World Health Organization — GLOBOCAN 2022
**Based on cancers diagnosed from 2015 to 2021 and follow-up of patients through December 31, 2021
***According to the American Lung Association (ALA) 2024 State of Lung Cancer report
“I became a medical oncologist for one reason: to help people with cancer. That’s why I’m proud to be part of an organization that is driving research aimed at improving the lives of patients with cancer. As a physician and clinical investigator for more than 20 years, I understand the importance of finding and treating cancer while it’s still in earlier stages.”
—Dr. Marjorie Green
Senior vice president and head of oncology, global clinical development
A collective effort to help advance early detection of lung cancer
Collaborating with the American Cancer Society on early detection of lung cancer
While many people face different kinds of barriers to getting the medical care they need, having access to preventative health screenings shouldn’t be one of them. That’s why we’re working with the ACS on Get Screened, a nationwide campaign helping more people understand their eligibility for cancer screening and take action.
The campaign includes collaboration with key stakeholders, including state and local health systems, to implement evidence-based interventions and public policy solutions that support screening access for eligible people. Together, ACS, Merck and other supporting partners aim to reach up to 10,000 additional people eligible for lung cancer screening.
Turning data into scientific insights in the fight against lung cancer
At the heart of our commitment to the early detection of lung cancer is one of our most powerful contributions: scientific insights. Our real-world evidence research uses data to analyze patient journeys and risk prediction models. This enables us to better understand diagnostic pathways and identify opportunities to help facilitate early diagnosis and detection.
Our applicable areas of research include:
- Continuing to address smoking as the leading risk factor for lung cancer, while also identifying additional contributing risk factors
- Pinpointing moments to engage at-risk individuals
- Building explainable risk prediction models, including for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
Collaboration plays a critical role in advancing this work, as shared insights and investigator-led research are equally essential to accelerating innovation. That’s why we expanded our Investigator Studies Program (MISP), supporting independent research that’s:
- Evaluating tools and methods for lung cancer risk assessment
- Exploring new technologies, like artificial intelligence (AI) and digital diagnostics, with the goal of improving early detection and diagnosis of lung cancer
- Driving patient engagement in communities that may be underrepresented in current lung cancer screening guidelines
Together, these efforts have the potential to reshape how and when lung cancer is found.
AI's role in lung cancer detection
AI tools have the potential to enhance established imaging and diagnostic methods to help identify indicators of lung cancer.
We’re investigating how utilizing AI with existing clinical imaging and diagnostic methods can help lead to early detection and diagnosis of lung cancer.
“We’ve seen incredible progress in the fight against cancer in recent decades, driven by advances in early detection and the availability of new treatment options. This progress makes me optimistic for a future where cancer is detected and treated as early as possible.”
—Dr. Gregory Lubiniecki
Vice president, oncology clinical research
Advancing Mission Lung Cancer together
We’re actively working across the oncology community, including with advocacy and industry partners, health care providers and governments, with the ambition to advance sustainable improvements in the early detection of lung cancer.
From raising awareness to helping support access to recommended cancer screenings, these are just a few of the ways we’re taking meaningful steps forward:
Our commitment to oncology
We work with urgency to pursue breakthrough science to not only prolong lives, but protect them, too. Because people with cancer deserve more.
We’re committed to advancing cancer research with one of the largest development programs in the industry across more than 30 tumor types. Learn about our work in oncology.
