Lung Cancer Awareness Month

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month and a great reminder for everyone to talk to their providers about lung health.

Anyone can get lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States for both women and men. Breathing in toxic or harmful substances can cause cells in the lungs to mutate or change from healthy to cancerous, and Genetics can play a role in your chances of developing this disease.

We want to help Frederick stay healthy and education is the first step to making choices that can positively impact your wellbeing.

Let’s raise awareness and turn the tide on this disease, together.

Recognizing the symptoms

In early stages, lung cancer may not cause any symptoms at all.

Symptoms could include:

• A cough that won’t go away or gets worse
• Worsening chest pain with deep breaths, coughing, or laughing
• Coughing up blood or rust-colored phlegm
• Hoarseness
• Shortness of breath
• Feeling tired or weak
• Hoarseness
• Recurring infections like bronchitis or pneumonia
• New onset of wheezing

Additionally, lung cancer that has spread to other parts of the body can cause:

• Bone pain
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Nervous system changes, such a headaches, dizziness, balance problems, or seizures if cancer has spread to the brain or spinal cord
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes
• Lumps near the surface of the body if cancer has spread to the skin or lymph nodes

Talk to your provider about getting screened if you have any of these symptoms. Early detection saves lives.

State-of-the-art cancer care

Detecting lung cancer early gives you the best chance for successful treatment. Talking to your provider about lung health will help determine if you should get screened for lung cancer.

Sometimes a biopsy will be recommended. A biopsy is a surgical procedure where a small sample of the impacted tissue or nodule is removed for testing and diagnosis.

Frederick Health is pleased to be the first community healthcare system in the state of Maryland to offer robotic-assisted technology to identify and biopsy procedures to patients in need. This state-of-the-art technology makes lung tissue biopsies safer, simpler, and less invasive. This tool can detect even the smallest traces of lung cancer.

Additionally, if you’re a current or former smoker between the ages of 55-77 and if you meet the eligibility requirements and, participation in our Low Dose Lung CT Screening Program may be right for you.

You’ll get the best at Frederick Health

Lung cancer is often treated using multiple types of coordinated treatments, including:

• Surgery
• Radiation Therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Targeted Therapies
• Drug Treatments

Frederick Health has once again been recognized by Healthgrades America® for being America’s 100 Best Hospitals as well as for excellence in surgical care should you need surgery as part of your treatment.

Understanding your diagnosis and treatment options is the first step in fighting lung cancer. At Frederick Health, our team is committed to providing you with a cancer treatment experience that is focused on you.

Reduce Your Risk of Lung Cancer

There are steps you can take to reduce your risk of lung cancer.

• Don’t smoke. Smoking cigarettes is the number one risk factor for lung cancer. In the United States, it’s linked to about 80 to 90 percent of lung cancer deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). In fact, people who smoke cigarettes are 15 to 30 times more likely to get lung cancer or die from lung cancer than those who do not smoke. No matter your age, it’s never too late to quit. If you need help, join our Smoking Cessation Program.
• Avoid secondhand smoke. Even if you don’t smoke, you have an increased risk of lung cancer if you frequently breathe in smoke from other people’s cigarettes, pipes, or cigars. When you breathe in secondhand smoke, it’s like you’re smoking, too.
• Test your home for radon. This naturally occurring gas comes from dirt and rocks and cannot be seen, tasted, or smelled. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon causes about 20,000 lung cancer cases each year. This makes radon the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. Nearly one 1 in 15 homes in the United States is thought to have high radon levels. You can find radon test kits online or in home improvement stores.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Striving for a healthy weight has endless benefits, including reducing your risk of certain cancers. Need help losing weight? You don’t have to go at it alone. We’re here to help.
• Eat healthy. Choose a diet that emphasizes plant sources, has minimal processed and red meats, includes five or more servings of fruit and vegetables each day, and contains whole grains.
• Stay active. Getting at least an hour of physical activity each day is a great way to maintain a healthy weight and promote overall wellness.