ALK-positive lung cancer is a relatively rare form of lung cancer caused by the abnormal rearrangement of the anaplastic lymphoma kinase gene. The vast majority of patients are non-smokers, about half are under 50 years of age when diagnosed (some are much younger), and the majority are female. Most patients are diagnosed at Stage 4. However, modern treatments mean that many patients live active lives for many years.

Our vision is that people with ALK-positive lung cancer in the UK will thrive and live a long and fulfilling life unhindered by their disease.

 To achieve our vision, we

• Support patients and their families - Visit our Patient Support page to see the wide range of support that we offer.

• Empower patients so that they can have meaningful conversations with their healthcare providers - We maintain this website that provides a wealth of information. We publish advice booklets and leaflets Our Publications. Each year, we have a weekend conference, free to patients plus one, where they hear from and question ALK+ experts - Conference. We produce ASK the Expert videos.

• Advocate for best care throughout the UK - We carry out surveys of our members to gather real-world data on all aspects of their diagnosis, treatment and care. We attended conferences and meetings of lung cancer oncologists and nurses where we tell them about the support that we can provide for their patients. We publish reports on best practice.

• Campaign for early diagnosis - We camapign to raise awareness of primary care providers and the general public that anyone with lungs can get lung cancer, irrespective of their age and smoking history.

• Raise awareness of lung cancer in non-smokers