Lung Cancer Awareness: Frederick County residents face high risks for lung cancer

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on the nation’s leading cause of cancer deaths and the importance of early detection. Frederick County residents face some of the highest risks for lung cancer, but with awareness and quality care, you can take action to protect your health. 

What is lung cancer? 

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, claiming more lives each year than breast, prostate, and colon cancers combined. It begins when abnormal cells within the lungs grow uncontrollably, forming tumors that interfere with breathing and can spread to other parts of the body.  

Lung cancer is categorized into three different types: non-small cell lung cancer, small cell lung cancer, and lung carcinoid tumors. In Frederick County, an average of 146 people a year are diagnosed with lung cancer. 

Frederick Health is proud to be a Center of Excellence for Lung Cancer Care, and we are committed to educating our community so that you know the signs, when to get screened, and what treatment options are available right here in Frederick County. 

What causes lung cancer? 

Smoking 

Smoking is the greatest risk factor for lung cancer. Cigarette smoke damages lung tissue and introduces cancer-causing chemicals that increase risk each time you smoke.  

“Lung cancer is sometimes called the ‘cancer of shame,’” says Dr. Maurice Smith, Thoracic Surgeon and Medical Director for Chest Surgery with Frederick Health Medical Group. “Too often, people delay or avoid getting screened, allowing symptoms to get worse. But no one should ever feel ashamed to take care of their health. At Frederick Health, we’re here to help, not judge.” 

Radon 

Radon is an invisible, odorless natural gas and is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Since Frederick County is considered a high radon zone—with the gas naturally emitting from the soil—residents face a greater risk of lung cancer.  

Other factors 

Other lung cancer risk factors include asbestos (particularly among smokers), certain metals (chromium, cadmium, arsenic), some organic chemicals, radiation, air pollution, and diesel exhaust. Individuals with jobs that involve dealing with these substances are at an even higher risk because of regular exposure. If you have been exposed to any of these items or have a family history of lung cancer, you should get screened. 

What is Lung Cancer Screening? 

A lung cancer screening is a noninvasive test used to detect lung cancer early, before you have symptoms. Doctors use X-rays done through a low-dose computerized tomography (LDCT) scan of the lungs to look for lung cancer.  

The risk of developing lung cancer increases with age. Individuals aged 55-80 with a history of smoking or working with hazardous materials should be screened for lung cancer at least once a year.  

Even if you have never smoked and are otherwise healthy, it is still possible to have lung cancer. Be sure to speak to your primary care provider if you experience: 

• A persistent cough, sometimes with or without blood 

• Trouble breathing 

• Chest pain or discomfort 

• Hoarseness 

• Unexplained appetite or weight loss 

Early detection is key 

Finding cancer early gives doctors the best chance to treat it successfully. When lung cancer is found early, 64% survive. When it’s found late, only 9% of people survive. That's why early detection is so important. 

At Frederick Health, our doctors are finding lung cancer earlier than the national average. Nearly 40% of our patients are diagnosed at Stage 1, when treatment works best. Across the country, that number is only about 27%. 

Frederick Health is pleased to be the first community healthcare system in the state of Maryland to screen and treat lung cancer with robotic-assisted technology. These state-of-the-art advancements make lung tissue biopsies safer, simpler, and less invasive. This tool can detect even the smallest traces of lung cancer. 

“With advanced tools like 3D imaging and robotic bronchoscopy, we can find lung issues that others might miss,” Dr. S. Kashif Mahmood, Pulmonologist at Frederick Health, said. “This minimally invasive approach means less discomfort, faster recovery, and greater confidence in patient care.” 

In the past, these kinds of tests required major surgery and long hospital stays. But thanks to this new technology, Frederick Health patients can often go home the same day. It’s faster, safer, and reduces recovery times and costs for patients of Frederick Health.   

How is lung cancer treated? 

Understanding your diagnosis and treatment options is the first step in fighting lung cancer. Lung cancer is often treated using multiple types of coordinated treatments, including: 

• Surgery 

• Radiation Therapy 

• Chemotherapy 

• Targeted Therapies 

• Drug Treatments 

At Frederick Health, you can get screened and begin treatment for lung cancer within one week, without having to travel to multiple locations for care. We’re committed to implementing advanced technologies to provide you with the latest in lung cancer treatment to get you care as soon as you need it. 

“Before this technology, we often had to send patients out-of-county to receive specialized care,” Dr. Smith said. “Frederick County residents now have access to the same advanced care found at the nation’s top centers without having to leave their community.” 

How can I prevent lung cancer? 

The most important way to prevent lung cancer is to avoid smoking—whether that means quitting, never starting, or avoiding second-hand smoke. Another important way you can prevent lung cancer is by getting your home tested for radon and taking steps to reduce radon levels in your home if exposed. 

Other ways you can prevent lung cancer include: 

• Being tobacco-free 

• Limiting alcohol consumption 

• Consuming a healthy diet 

• Adopting a physically active lifestyle 

• Protecting yourself from the sun and indoor tanning 

• Talking to your primary care provider about signs and symptoms, screening options, and vaccines 

Where can I learn more? 

To learn more about lung cancer, visit www.frederickhealth.org/lungcancer. 

Get tested for lung cancer by scheduling an appointment with your primary care provider. They can connect you to our expert physicians in our Chest Surgery and Pulmonary Medicine teams. 

With higher-than average early detection rates and the recognition of national accrediting bodies, Frederick Health is working to improve survival outcomes and provide patients with the highest level of care right here in the community.