The EQUAL Study
Evaluating a new blood test for lung cancer screening in East Asian and Latinx/Hispanic communities.
Join Now Contact UsAbout the Study
The EQUAL study is evaluating a new blood test to detect a specific type of lung cancer in individuals at risk for the disease who would otherwise be unable to undergo routine lung cancer screening. We are also working to understand perceptions of lung cancer and the concerns, perspectives, and experiences that influence participants' choices in using our blood test for lung cancer screening — in order to optimize the blood test to improve early detection options for lung cancer.
Who is Eligible to Join?
Group 1
Non-tobacco using (currently), 50–80-year-olds, who self-identify as East Asian (including Southeast Asian) or Latinx/Hispanic.
- East Asian includes those who self-identify as Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Taiwanese, Malaysian
- Southeast Asian includes those who self-identify as Cambodian, Thai, Vietnamese, Filipino
- Latinx/Hispanic includes those who self-identify as a person of Central or South American and the Caribbean including Cuban, Puerto Rican, and Dominican culture or origin.
Group 2
Non-tobacco using (currently), 40–80-year-olds, who self-identify as East Asian (including Southeast Asian) or Latinx/Hispanic, if any of the following criteria are met:
- Family history of any EGFR mutant lung cancer
- Personal history of remote cancer that is not lung cancer or other thoracic malignancies (including thymoma, thymic carcinoma, or sarcoma), as long as it was resolved over 5 years ago
- History of tuberculosis, asthma requiring daily inhaled corticosteroids, or chronic bronchitis
- Symptoms of lung cancer for the past month, including unexplained weight loss, voice hoarseness, cough or worsening cough, dyspnea or worsening dyspnea
- Able to complete and understand the study's informed consent in English, Chinese (simplified or traditional), Portuguese, Spanish, Korean, or Vietnamese
Why Should I Join?
Early Detection
If you test positive with our blood test, we may be able to treat you early for lung cancer — before the disease spreads.
Connected to Care
We will connect you to a healthcare provider for lung cancer management at your preferred institution.
Advance Research
Your participation helps optimize this blood test to improve early detection practices for East Asian and Latinx/Hispanic populations.
Compensation
Receive a $50 gift card for the blood sample, an additional $40 for the optional survey, and $100 for the optional focus group.
What is Involved?
After confirming eligibility, participation involves a few simple steps.
Blood Draw
Two tubes (approximately 1–2 tablespoons) of blood will be collected at a study-site hospital or at your home through a mobile phlebotomist.
Short Questionnaire
We will ask you to complete a short questionnaire about your family and personal medical history, social factors such as housing, education, and income, and other questions related to your overall health.
Optional Survey & Focus Group
You may also choose to participate in an optional survey and/or focus group to share your perceptions and concerns about using a blood-based lung cancer screening test.
Optional InAdvance Study
Participants can choose to take part in a separate blood banking study being conducted at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, called the InAdvance study.
Our Partners
Register for the EQUAL Study Today
Help advance lung cancer research in East Asian and Latinx/Hispanic communities.
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