November is 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.