LUNGevity aims for consistency of style and clarity of content in all of its external communications.

Use punctuation appropriately.

Always use people-first language.

  • Don't say: lung cancer patient.
  • Say: person with lung cancer.

Reiterate specific metrics, statistics, or timeframes when possible.

  • Don’t say: Individuals must file an application with our office to be certified in a timely manner.
  • Say: Individuals must apply at least 10 days before they need the certification complete.

Use active voice instead of passive voice when possible.

  • Passive voice: New regulations were proposed.
  • Active voice: We proposed new regulations.

Limit use of abbreviations.

  • Do not use abbreviations our community would not quickly recognize, and spell out the term at first mention with the abbreviation after it in parentheses. See the Abbreviations section for more information.
  • Internally acceptable abbreviations:
    • SES: socioeconomic status
    • HCP: healthcare provider
    • NSCLC: non-small cell lung cancer
    • SCLC: small cell lung cancer
    • LDCT: low-dose CT scan
    • CT: computed tomography
    • SDOH: social determinants of health

Use simple verb forms.

  • Don't say: These sections describe types of information that would satisfy the application requirements of Circular A-110 as it would apply to this grant program.
  • Say: These sections tell you how to meet the requirements of Circular A-110 for this grant program.

Don't use long words or clinical-sounding terms when a shorter word will do.

  • “Administer [a drug],” “ensure,” and “utilize” can usually be changed to "give," make sure," and "use." See Preferred Usage for more.

Omit unnecessary words that add length to a sentence.

  • Don't say: a number of, at this point in time, is able to, in order to, is responsible for, on the grounds that, etc.
  • Say: several, now, can, to, must, because, etc.

Use clear language when indicating intention.

  • “Must” for an obligation.
  • “Must not” for a prohibition.
  • “May” for a discretionary action.
  • “Should” for a recommendation.

Avoid the use of “and/or.”

  • Don’t say: people and/or places.
  • Say: both people and places [or] either people or places.

Write with clear definitions.

  • Don’t say: A biomarker test investigates a biological molecule found in blood, other body fluids, or tissues for signs of normal or abnormal processes, or of a condition or disease.
  • Say: A biomarker test observes lung cancer tissue for changes in cancer cells.

Avoid the use of double negatives.

  • Don’t say: no fewer than, has not yet attained, may not ... until, is not … unless.
  • Say: at least, is under, may only ... when, is ... only if ….

Use examples and lists.

  • Highlight levels of importance, help readers understand the order in which things happen, and make it easy for readers to identify steps in a process.

Minimize cross references when possible.

  • Say what you have to say instead of linking to something else for more information unless necessary.

Adhere to definitions outlined by LUNGevity’s Style Guide.

  • To avoid overusing confusing medical jargon, include simple definitions followed by the term in parenthesis to ensure comprehension when deemed necessary
    • Example: “the mutation responsible for causing cancer (known as the driver mutation) ...”

Use simplified URLs.

  • When including a URL (web address) in text, omit https:// (browsers will add this automatically).
  • Short URLs corresponding to many of the major pages or sections of the Foundation website are available; find them at www.lungevity.org/shorturls. Contact the Marketing and Communications Department if you need a short URL that is not on the list.