On 5 Nov 2025, the Lung Health Foundation and NB Lung / Poumon NB came together to co-host the New Brunswick Provincial Lung Cancer Advocacy Day and Lung Cancer Awareness Luncheon—a powerful gathering at the Legislature that spotlighted the urgent need for lung cancer screening and radon mitigation across the province.
Why This Event Mattered
November marks both Lung Cancer Awareness Month and Radon Action Month, and New Brunswick faces a disproportionate burden:
- Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the province, responsible for 29.6% of cancer deaths in males and 26.3% in females from 2014-2018.
- Radon exposure, the second leading cause of lung cancer and the primary cause among non-smokers, affects 1 in 4 homes in New Brunswick.
- New Brunswick also has Canada’s highest smoking rate at 16% in 2022—a dangerous synergy with radon exposure that amplifies lung cancer risk
A Call for Action
At the luncheon, advocates, policymakers, and health leaders gathered to discuss two critical solutions:
1. Province-Wide Lung Cancer Screening Program
New Brunswick must move beyond pilot programs and launch a full-scale, equitable screening initiative. Evidence from other provinces shows the impact:
- British Columbia: 74% of lung cancers detected early
- Ontario: 71% detected at Stage 1 or 2, with 92% of smokers accepting cessation support
A national rollout could prevent up to 5,800 premature deaths over the next decade.
2. Radon Testing and Mitigation Support
Radon levels vary dramatically between homes, and mitigation costs—averaging $2,700 per household—remain a barrier. Yet, the cost of inaction is far greater: $56 million annually to treat lung cancer in New Brunswick.
The province’s recent public radon testing program ran out of kits in just two days—a clear signal that New Brunswickers are ready to act.
Moments That Moved Us
From heartfelt conversations in the Legislature lounge to powerful calls for action on lung cancer screening and radon mitigation, the New Brunswick Provincial Lung Cancer Advocacy Day and Lung Cancer Awareness Luncheon was filled with unforgettable moments. Special thank you to all of the advocates, and especially to Heather Hogan and her husband, MLA Bill Hogan. From crafting white ribbons to uniting advocates to welcoming us to the legislature, they left us breathless — in a good way.
Moving Forward, Together
As we continue to advocate for province-wide lung cancer screening and accessible radon mitigation, we carry forward the momentum sparked in that room. Together, we’re building a future where every New Brunswicker breathes easier—and where lung cancer is caught early, treated effectively, and ultimately prevented.
About NB Lung / Poumon NB
NB Lung / Poumon NB is a provincial lung health charity that, since 1933, has tirelessly advocated for lung health and delivered patient support, public education, and advocacy to create meaningful change that helps New Brunswickers breathe easier.
About the Lung Health Foundation
The Lung Health Foundation (LHF) is Canada’s premier resource for lung health. The national non-profit organization is committed to improving lung health and closing gaps in the prevention, diagnosis, and care of lung disease in Canada. Building on the century-long legacy of the Ontario Lung Association, LHF invests in innovative research, advocates for policy change, and provides essential programs and support for individuals and families affected by lung conditions.
