How collaboration can help enable early detection of lung cancer
Learn about our work with the American Cancer Society
February 18, 2026
Through our Mission Lung Cancer initiative, we’re bringing together our efforts to break down barriers that stand in the way of early lung cancer detection. Our approach is rooted in strategic collaboration, scientific insights and innovative technology.
One program that’s part of Mission Lung Cancer is the American Cancer Society’s Get Screened initiative. Since 2020, we’ve worked with the ACS to help advance early detection for breast, cervical and colorectal cancers through Get Screened.
In 2024, our involvement in this collaboration expanded to include a focus on early detection of lung cancer. Through this initiative, Merck supports the ACS’s efforts to provide screening navigation services, mobile screening units and access to free or low-cost screening options for eligible people* who are uninsured or underinsured.
“Together with the American Cancer Society, we’re focused on supporting initiatives that elevate the importance of early lung cancer detection and helping eligible individuals get access to screening. We’re proud to support efforts to raise awareness around this disease that impacts millions of people each year.”
- Josette Gbemudu
Associate vice president, patient health innovation
The Get Screened campaign is already making an impact, with more than 362,400 additional breast, cervical, colorectal and lung cancer screenings conducted. The ACS also aims to raise $30 million to further expand access through outreach, technology and infrastructure.
We joined the Get Screened campaign to help increase cancer screening rates in the U.S., and recently focused specifically on lung cancer, as it’s the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide.**
However, in the U.S., only 18.2% of those eligible underwent lung cancer screening in 2022. Alongside screenings, knowing the signs and symptoms of cancer can potentially help increase the chance of finding the disease before it spreads.
“This work highlights the power of collaboration between advocacy and industry. Together, we’re helping to build a path for the future where every person at risk receives timely information and resources, empowering them to lead healthier lives.”
- Shane Jacobson
CEO, American Cancer Society
Our collaboration with the ACS is one of several initiatives under Mission Lung Cancer, all to advance our mission to help enable early detection of lung cancer to help ensure patients get timely care.
Learn more about Mission Lung Cancer.
*per the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force screening guidelines
**World Health Organization – GLOBOCAN 2022
