Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Young Lung Cancer Program

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    New Patient Appointments

    877-442-3324
    REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT

    Contact the Young Lung Cancer Program 

    Referring physicians: 617-632-6875
    All other inquiries: 617-632-5301
    Fax: 617-632-4413

    For general inquiries, email younglungcancerprogram
    @dfci.harvard.edu.

    For urgent or clinical concerns, contact your care team.

    The Young Lung Cancer Program at Dana-Farber offers expert, compassionate care and support to young adults living with lung cancer.

    We bring together specialists in thoracic (lung) cancer, genetics, supportive care, and survivorship. Our goal is to help you and your family feel supported, informed, and empowered throughout every step of care.

    We also work to improve care for younger adults through research. Our team studies risk factors, genetic mutations, and other causes of young-onset lung cancer. What we learn helps us find better, more personalized ways to diagnose and treat lung cancer — and helps more people get the right care at the right time.

    Newly Diagnosed?

    A lung cancer diagnosis at a young age can feel overwhelming. The Young Lung Cancer Program is here to help you navigate the medical, emotional, and practical challenges that may arise along the way.

    At your initial consultation, you will meet with your thoracic oncology team and be introduced to the Young Lung Cancer Program. Our program administrator serves as a dedicated point of contact, helping connect patients to resources and support services tailored to the unique needs of young adults with lung cancer. Patients are also introduced to the HomeGoods Young Adult Lounge, a dedicated space for patients ages 18-49. The lounge provides an opportunity to connect with other young adults, access age-specific resources, and relax before, after, or between appointments.

    Following the initial visit, the program administrator remains available to help connect patients with appropriate resources throughout their cancer journey. From fertility preservation and financial guidance to survivorship services, support programs, and research opportunities, our goal is to ensure that every patient feels informed, supported, and connected throughout their care. 

    Care for the Whole Person

    Lung cancer affects more than your body. It can also affect work, relationships, fertility, finances, and mental health. We help with both the medical and everyday parts of care.

    Our team can provide you with:

    • Tumor genetic (molecular) testing to help match treatment to the cancer’s genes
    • Genetic counseling and testing (inherited risk) when appropriate
    • Clinical trials of new therapies for lung cancer
    • Fertility, family planning, and sexual health support
    • Psychosocial care, including counseling and emotional support
    • Survivorship planning and peer connection opportunities
    • Integrative therapies to support well-being during care (as available)

    Support for Adults Diagnosed Before 50

    Lung Cancer Under 50

    Lung cancer is more commonly diagnosed later in life. Under 50, it can be harder to recognize, and younger adults may face delays in diagnosis and concerns about fertility, parenting, work, and long-term health.

    Support and Resources

    The Young Lung Cancer Program helps you manage care while staying focused on your personal, work, and family goals. We support both the medical and emotional parts of treatment—from diagnosis through recovery and life beyond cancer.

    Research and Clinical Trials

    Research is a key part of the Young Lung Cancer Program. Our goal is to understand why lung cancer happens in younger adults and to develop better ways to diagnose, treat, and support patients.