Meritorious research projects that will have an impact on improving the health of individuals suffering and at risk for any and all lung diseases including pulmonary fibrosis, COPD and pneumonia are now eligible for the American Lung Association’s Lung Cancer Discovery Award.

The expansion of the Lung Cancer Discovery Award will not impact current support available for research on developing medical treatment, improving current treatment options and finding a cure for lung cancer, according to the ALA. Successful applications are expected to have a direct impact on either early detection, or treatment methods or provide a clear conceptual or experimental foundation for future development.

“Support of this type of research is an investment in a healthier future for the millions of Americans at risk or touched by lung cancer,” said Harold Wimmer, National President and CEO of the American Lung Association. “As such we are interested in funding projects with the real potential to benefit lung cancer patients in the near future.”

According to the American Lung Association , funding research focused on improving clinical methods for the early detection of lung cancer makes it possible to fight lung cancer from both ends of the spectrum and to achieve the mission to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease.