By Argus Staff Report
ST. LOUIS — A coalition of healthcare providers, patient advocates and community organizations is working to challenge long-held misconceptions about lung cancer through a free public symposium designed to educate residents about screening, treatment options and the importance of early detection.
The “Lung Cancer Screening to Treatment 2.0” Community Symposium, hosted by The HEAL Collaborative in partnership with Five Star Center, Inc. and Southside Wellness Center, with support from Amgen, will take place on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at the International Institute of St. Louis, 3401 Arsenal Street, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Despite being the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, lung cancer remains surrounded by misconceptions and stigma. One of the central messages of the symposium is simple yet powerful: “Anyone with lungs can get lung cancer.”
While smoking remains a major risk factor, healthcare experts emphasize that lung cancer can also result from radon exposure, air pollution, asbestos, genetic predisposition and other environmental factors.
Thousands of individuals diagnosed with lung cancer each year have never smoked, underscoring the need for broader public awareness and access to screening.
The symposium will bring together physicians, survivors, patient navigators and healthcare professionals to discuss screening eligibility, treatment resources and strategies for overcoming barriers that often prevent individuals from seeking care. Participants will also hear personal stories from survivors and gain insights
from professionals affiliated with Washington University School of Medicine, Siteman Cancer Center and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Organizers say community education and outreach are essential in reducing disparities and saving lives.
During HEAL Collaborative’s previous St. Louis symposium, nearly 90 residents participated, and several individuals were identified as eligible for potentially life-saving lung cancer screenings, demonstrating the importance of bringing health information directly into neighborhoods.
The event is free and open to the public, and lunch will be provided.
As communities continue to confront healthcare inequities, initiatives such as “Lung Cancer Screening to Treatment 2.0” serve as an important reminder that awareness, education and early intervention can make the difference between life and death. Residents are encouraged to attend, ask questions and take
proactive steps toward understanding their risks and accessing available resources.
Event Details
What: Lung Cancer Screening to Treatment 2.0 – Community Symposium
When: Saturday, June 27, 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Where: International Institute of St. Louis
Address: 3401 Arsenal Street, St. Louis, MO 63118
Admission: Free (Lunch Provided)
