ALK Positive (i.e. ALK+) lung cancer is a rare form of lung cancer. Less that 5% of all lung cancers are ALK+. There is some general information about cancer on the cancer page.
Currently, the cause of ALK+ lung cancer is unknown. ALK Positive organization surveys patients to gather data in the hopes that it will help researchers determine the cause of the disease (among other things).
Smoking is not the cause of this disease. Most patients do have never smoked (i.e. never-smokers).
The disease does not discriminate. It affects all ages...young (teens), seniors (60+) and everyone in between; male and female; people from many races/countries.
There are several treatments available including several TKIs, radiation, and chemotherapy. The TKIs are the primary form of treatment and have been very effective in most cases.
Fortunately, there is a lot of research being done on the disease (both causes and how it works) and treatments for it. This includes clinic trials, studies, surveys and more. We are fortunate to have ALK Positive supporting and influencing many of these initiatives.
Normally, a lung cancer diagnosis results in an unfavorable diagnosis. However, with ALK+ lung cancer there is hope. (Some people even refer to it as "winning the lung cancer lottery!") People have survived several years. Some surviving 10 to 15 years and still alive!
People with ALK+ lung cancer usually don't know they have it until there is some nagging issue they go to the doctor for and, through various testing, the lung cancer is found. This could include nagging coughs, pain, fractures or several other issues. Most of the people seem healthy and some of them lead very active and healthy lifestyles.