Advanced Lung Cancer Screening at Ascension Saint Thomas:
Enhancing Early Detection and Saving Lives
NASHVILLE, Tenn., (Nov. 1, 2024) – Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death among both men and women, accounting for nearly 25% of all cancer-related deaths, according to the American Cancer Society. In 2023, 234,580 new cases of lung cancer were reported in the United States. This November, Ascension Saint Thomas joins the community in recognizing November as Lung Cancer Awareness Month, underscoring the importance of early detection, especially for current and former smokers aged 50 and older, who are encouraged to discuss screening options with their primary care provider.
Tennessee reports approximately 70 new lung cancer cases per 100,000 people each year, a rate higher than the national average of 54.6 per 100,000. Tennessee ranks 45th in the nation for lung cancer rates. The CDC reports that lung cancer screening can reduce mortality risk by as much as 30% among eligible patients.
Symptoms of lung cancer may include:
- Coughing that gets worse or doesn’t go away
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Wheezing
- Coughing up blood
- Experiencing lung infections that keep coming back
- Constant fatigue
- Weight loss with no known cause
“Just because you are not a smoker does not mean you can’t have lung cancer,” said Dr. Otis B. Rickman, DO, FCCP, DAABIP, and the Director of Bronchoscopy and Interventional Pulmonology at Ascension Saint Thomas in Nashville. “If you do smoke, stop and encourage your loved ones to stop. Early detection is key to fighting this cancer, if you are at risk, talk with your physician and do a low-dose computed tomography (CT) scan.”
Ascension Saint Thomas provides specialized, multidisciplinary care to lung cancer patients through a dedicated team of board-certified thoracic surgeons, pulmonologists, and oncologists.
Join Ascension Saint Thomas in raising awareness this Lung Cancer Awareness Month by prioritizing lung health through regular screening and early intervention.
