Independence Health System Selected for Funding to Support Lung Cancer Care by Katherine Mabis McKenna Foundation

LATROBE, Pa., September 22, 2026 — Independence Health System today announced that the Katherine Mabis McKenna Foundation awarded it a $600,000 grant for lung cancer care. 

The funds will support enhanced technology for early lung cancer detection and diagnosis, including the ION robotic bronchoscopy system for Latrobe Hospital's Advanced Lung Center (ALC) and thoracic surgical group, which holds a distinguished three-star rating from The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) for its patient care and lung cancer resection outcomes. The technology enables the ability to reach and biopsy small, difficult-to-access lung nodules.

“At Independence Health System, we prioritize providing patients with the highest level of care close to home. The Katherine Mabis McKenna Foundation's grant enables us to continue building upon that level of excellence and remain at the forefront of lung cancer diagnosis and treatment throughout the region,” said Michael Szwerc, MD, medical director of the ALC and chairman, Committee on Cancer at Independence Health System. “We thank the foundation for its investment in providing the most advanced technology for the patients at Independence Health System.” 

Nationwide, only 27.4 percent of individuals with lung cancer are diagnosed at an early stage, according to the American Lung Association. Independence Health System’s Advanced Lung Center diagnoses lung cancer at an early stage rate of 66 percent — significantly higher than the national average.

“The Katherine Mabis McKenna Foundation has been an extraordinary and longstanding supporter of Latrobe Hospital for many decades. We are deeply grateful for its continued generosity and ongoing commitment to advancing the care available at this great community hospital,” said Anthony Cancro, Chief Development Officer, IHS Foundations, Independence Health System. This latest investment will help ensure that Independence Health System physicians and patients have access to some of the most advanced technology available for the detection and diagnosis of lung cancer.”

To learn more about the Advanced Lung Center at Independence Health System, visit www.independence.health. 

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About Independence Health System
Nationally recognized for quality care, Independence Health System comprises Butler Memorial, Clarion, Frick, Latrobe and Westmoreland Hospitals with a combined bed count of 925. With more than 1,000 physicians and advanced practice providers and nearly 7,000 employees, the System is the third largest in western Pennsylvania serving a population base of 750,000 in a footprint spanning a multi-county region. 

The System includes tertiary programs rated among America’s best for cardiac care and surgery, earning accolades from a number of prestigious outlets and organizations. Locally owned and locally controlled, Independence Health System offers its patients low-cost, high-quality care across the care spectrum in such specialties as cardiology, cardiovascular and thoracic surgery, orthopedics and sports medicine, minimally invasive and robotic surgery, women’s health and obstetrics, emergency medicine, behavioral health and primary care. Its network of outpatient centers sees more than 1.2 million visits annually. The homecare division further supports patients at all stages of life with home health and hospice services. Learn more at www.independence.health.