When Caleb Egwuenu lost both his cousin and aunt to cancer more than 15 years ago, he was confronted with a painful question: Why? In Nigeria, he was told that cancer was a “white man’s disease.” This is a myth that left (and continues to leave) many people uninformed and vulnerable. Determined to uncover the truth, Caleb embarked on a journey that transformed him from a grieving family member into a passionate patient research advocate.
Despite not having a background in healthcare or cancer research, Caleb was driven to make a difference. Together with like-minded friends, he founded Move Against Cancer Africa, a nonprofit organization that organizes hospital visits, offers support to patients, and conducts awareness seminars and cancer screenings. Since 2008, Caleb and his team have screened more than 2,000 women, generating critical data that could shape future cancer research in Nigeria.
Today, Caleb is part of the IASLC Supportive Training for Advocates on Research and Science (STARS) Program as a Patient Research Advocate (PRA), where he is gaining the skills and connections to elevate his impact. And you can, too.
The STARS Program: Elevate Your Advocacy, Amplify Your Impact
If you or a loved one has been affected by lung cancer, you have a powerful story. The IASLC STARS Program is designed to help individuals like you turn personal experiences into meaningful change. STARS empowers patient advocates to become PRAs and work alongside clinicians and scientists to ensure lung cancer research reflects the real needs and voices of patients.
“STARS is the best experience you can have as a lung cancer patient advocate. It’s the MBA of lung cancer patient advocacy,” Egwuenu said.
Caleb shed light on the challenges faced by patients with lung cancer in Nigeria, particularly the burden of repeated long-distance travel for treatment, which affects their well-being. Through his organization, he has led efforts to bring phlebotomists to rural communities, improving access to care and alleviating the stress patients endure.
“We noticed that patients visiting the cancer clinic at the hospital in Abuja often walk long distances to go to the lab to have their blood drawn. Once they draw the blood, they have to follow up on the test results,” Egwuenu said during the closing plenary session at the 2024 World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC). “It is so stressful. The oncologists told us that most of the patients who arrive in good health and endure this stress have to be admitted.”
Caleb’s journey underscores the vital role patient advocates play in shaping the future of cancer care. His work demonstrates that personal experience, paired with the right training and support, can drive meaningful change in research and healthcare systems.
If you’re ready to transform your own experiences into advocacy that makes a difference, the IASLC STARS Program offers the tools, mentorship, and community to help you succeed as a lung cancer research advocate.
Who Should Apply?
The STARS PRA and Scholar Programs are for:
- Lung cancer survivors who want to grow their research advocacy skills.
- Family members and caregivers who want to honor their loved ones by influencing the future of lung cancer care and research.
- Existing research advocates looking to expand their networks and strengthen their knowledge of scientific topics and issues important to patients in lung cancer research.
STARS PRA Program: Helping Lung Cancer Patient Advocates Evolve into Research Advocates
This virtual program (June–October) provides education, mentorship, and skill-building for individuals new to research advocacy. Participants engage in online training, interactive discussions, and collaborative projects designed to prepare them to contribute meaningfully to lung cancer research efforts.
STARS Scholar Program: Building Connection and Capacity for Active Lung Cancer Research Advocates
This program is designed for experienced research advocates who want to deepen their expertise and attend the IASLC World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC) 2025 in Barcelona, Spain (September 6–9). Scholars receive funding for travel and accommodations, exclusive access to research discussions, and opportunities to engage with global leaders in lung cancer advocacy and science.
Be the Change
Just like Caleb, your voice can shape the future of lung cancer research and care. Whether you’ve faced lung cancer yourself or supported a loved one through their journey, your experiences matter and they can drive progress in lung cancer advocacy.
By taking action in his community, Caleb has demonstrated how patient advocacy can break barriers and create lasting change. If you’re inspired to make a difference in lung cancer research and care, the IASLC STARS Program offers two unique opportunities to help you amplify your impact.
Take the next step. Apply today and become part of a global movement transforming lung cancer research from the inside out.
For more details, visit the IASLC STARS Program website: STARS PRA Program or STARS Scholar Program
