Guest commentary: Lung cancer — taking charge of your odds
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, but early detection can save lives. Because early symptoms often resemble those of other common illnesses, many people don’t realize there’s a problem until the disease has advanced. That’s why regular screenings are so important, especially for those at higher risk. And remember, lung cancer can affect anyone, even people who have never smoked.
This Lung Cancer Awareness Month, take charge of your lung health. Schedule a screening, talk with your doctor about your risk factors, and explore the many resources available to help you quit nicotine for good. Lee Health offers convenient, judgment-free support close to home. The best time to act is now.
RISK FACTORS OF LUNG CANCER
According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), about 10% to 20% of lung cancers in the United States, amounting to between 20,000 to 40,000 lung cancers each year, happen in people who’ve never smoked or smoked fewer than 100 cigarettes in their lifetime. Researchers estimate that secondhand smoke contributes to about a quarter of those and radon is another 10%.
While nicotine products increase the risk of developing lung cancer, exposure to radon or other carcinogens, secondhand smoke, genetics, and air pollution can all contribute to the risk of developing the disease. The chances are higher if your parents, brothers, sisters or children are diagnosed with lung cancer.
The best defense against lung cancer is not using tobacco or nicotine products. If survivors do not quit smoking, there is a chance the cancer can return. No number of cigarettes or smokeless tobacco products are considered “safe” to use.
If you’re interested in learning more about smoking cessation, the Lee Health Advanced Lung Care Center (ALCC) offers judgment-free resources and education. To learn more, please call 239-343-LUNG (5864).
The Lee Health ALCC is located inside of the Lee Health Cancer Institute, at 8925 Colonial Center Drive, Suite 2002, Building A, Fort Myers.
ADVANCES IN LUNG CANCER DETECTION
Lee Health has added the ION robotic-assisted bronchoscopy platform to its robotics program to help physicians detect lung cancer much earlier than traditional methods.
This year, Lee Health will have completed 1,950 robotic-assisted biopsies since implementation in December 2022. If lung cancer is detected early, it gives patients a much greater chance of survival and more effective treatment.
The ION has an ultrathin, ultra maneuverable catheter that allows physicians to reach into the lung. It offers more range of motion and stability to help doctors aim the catheter at small targets, even if they’re located outside the airway.
The robotic-assisted lung biopsy is performed by a physician using the ION that helps navigate the path to the nodule. As the guided catheter approaches the nodule, the physician can confirm the lesion’s location with an intra-procedure CT scan. Then, the physician secures the catheter in place to perform the biopsy.
Lee Health typically diagnoses four patients a day with lung cancer. Over 75% are positive for cancer or have atypical scans and up to 17.6% are non-smokers. Being aware of risk factors and knowing your body are your first lines of defense.
SYMPTOMS AND SCREENINGS
It’s always important to check-in with your doctor if you feel something is off so you can learn what your body needs to function at optimum levels. The most common lung cancer symptoms include:
– Coughing up blood or rust-colored spit or phlegm
– A cough that doesn’t go away and is getting worse
– Hoarseness
– Chest pain that is worse with deep breathing, coughing or laughing
– Unexplained weight loss
– Loss of appetite
– Feeling tired or weak
– Shortness of breath
– Infections like bronchitis and pneumonia that don’t go away or keep coming back
– New onset of wheezing
If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, please talk with your doctor and plan a screening as soon as possible to find out what is causing the issues.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (Task Force) recommends yearly lung cancer screening with LDCT for people who:
– Have a 20 pack-year or more smoking history, and
– Smoke now or have quit within the past 15 years, and
– Are between 50 and 80 years old.
A pack-year is smoking an average of one pack of cigarettes per day for one year. For example, a person could have a 20 pack-year history by smoking one pack a day for 20 years or two packs a day for 10 years.
If you meet any of these requirements or if you’d like more information, please visit www.leehealth.org/our-services/pulmonology/advanced-lung-care-center.
Patients who meet screening criteria can also self-refer to the ALCC and receive screening services. Patients with lung nodules or mass findings on imaging done within the Lee Health system can be referred to the clinic for concierge level care coordination.
Dr. Shyam Kapadia is medical director for the Lee Health Advanced Lung Care Center. For more information, visit https://www.leehealth.org/.