Lung Cancer Awareness Month

Each November, we take a moment to acknowledge the impact of lung cancer, honoring those who are currently battling the disease, celebrating survivors, and remembering those who have lost their lives to it. Lung cancer stands as the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in both the United States and worldwide, surpassing colon, breast, and prostate cancer in terms of deadliness.

The vast majority of lung cancers are incidentally discovered, meaning that they are found while the patient is receiving care for something else. It is not uncommon for individuals to remain symptom-free for decades. Therefore, doctors often encounter cases where someone initially presents with unrelated issues and only later does the presence of lung cancer become apparent.

What are the causes of lung cancer?

Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, but not the only cause. Exposure to many kinds of airborne dusts and chemicals – especially long-term exposure – is also a known cause of lung cancer. And some people develop lung cancer but doctors are not able to pinpoint a cause.

Quitting smoking is a vital step, but people who smoke or smoked will always have an increased lifetime risk of developing the disease. The fewer years you spend smoking, the less your risk rises. But even if you have smoked for decades, kicking the addiction stops further damage to your lungs and also helps you live better in many other ways. St. Mary’s Healthy Heart Living classes are a great place to learn the benefits in only an hour or so. And if you are ready to quit, St. Mary’s offers Freedom from Smoking twice a year. This American Lung Association course has the highest success rate of any smoking cessation program in the nation. At St. Mary’s, it is led by certified instructor and ex-smoker Todd Drake, a registered respiratory therapist.

Can I tell from symptoms if I have lung cancer?

Because lung cancer can progress for many years without causing symptoms, it’s often considered an “invisible” disease. Typically, symptoms only manifest in advanced stages. But the symptoms can be alarming: persistent cough, coughing up blood, shortness of breath, and chest pain. If symptoms appear, don’t wait: Call your doctor right away. If you don’t have a primary care physician, we can help you book an appointment with a St. Mary’s physician quickly, you can schedule online.

Early detection is the key to survival in the battle against lung cancer. Beating it is most likely when caught in its early stages, sometimes requiring only minimally invasive surgery, possibly without the need for chemotherapy. Early detection can be life-saving and the best part is, screening for lung cancer is painless, non-invasive, quick and easy. It involves a quick CT scan, taking seconds of your time to potentially save your life. Most insurance plans cover the cost when ordered by a physician. St. Mary’s offers outpatient CT services at all three of our hospitals and at our Outpatient Services and Wellness Center on Daniells Bridge Road near Epps Bridge Crossing.

Talk to your doctor today to find out if screening is right for you or if you want medical help breaking an addiction to smoking.