[By John Weinhold, MD, St. Peter’s Medical Oncology/Hematology, St. Peter’s Health Partners Medical Associates.]
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. In the United States, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths for both men and women. That’s why knowing the signs and symptoms of lung cancer and early detection through screening is so important.
Symptoms of lung cancer include persistent coughing, chest pain, bloody sputum, shortness of breath, fatigue, and weight loss. It is important to consult with your health care team if you are experiencing any of these symptoms. These symptoms can also be a sign of infection or other lung conditions.
To screen for lung cancers at an early stage, your physician may order an annual, low-dose CT scan. If you are 50-80 years old and a current or former smoker with a smoking history of at least one pack a day for 20 years or more, you may qualify for screening.
To find out if you are eligible for lung cancer screening, complete a lung health risk assessment at https://sphp.carefinder.io/hra/lung-cancer.
The most common risk factor for lung cancer is tobacco use. The American Cancer Society reports that 80 percent of lung cancer deaths are associated with smoking. Lung cancer in non-smokers is less common but can be caused by exposure to secondhand smoke or radon, as well as lung cell mutations or a history of radiation therapy to the chest area.
If you smoke, the most important step you can take to avoid or reduce your risk for lung cancer is to stop. This year the Great American SmokeOut (GASO) is on November 20 and is a great time to consider taking the first step towards quitting your tobacco habit.
Quitting smoking is hard, but there is help. You can speak to your physician or the NYS Quitline, which offers free, confidential services, including telephone coaching, personalized quit plans, and a free starter kit of nicotine replacement therapy for eligible New Yorkers. Text 716-926-4422, call 1-866-NYQUITS (1-866-697-848), or visit www.nysmokefree.com.
You can also speak to a tobacco cessation specialist through St. Peter’s Health Partners’ free, award-winning cessation program, The Butt Stops Here, which offers virtual group support over seven weeks. To learn more, visit www.HealthPrograms.org.
A cancer diagnosis can be scary and patients often feel overwhelmed and alone. St. Peter’s multidisciplinary cancer care team can help develop a personalized treatment plan based on the type, location and extent of your cancer. We are accredited as a comprehensive, community-based Cancer Care Program by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer.
St. Peter’s Hospital recently earned high performing recognition in several areas of cancer care from U.S. News & World Report. In addition to being named the top hospital in Albany for the 12th consecutive year, St. Peter’s was also singled out for its cancer care in the areas of lung, colorectal, and prostate cancer surgery, and leukemia/lymphoma/myeloma treatment.
For more information, please visit Cancer Care | St. Peter’s Health Partners.
