Breathe Easy – Catch It Early: A Lung Cancer Awareness Panel & Mini-Expo will take place from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. at the Cowell Family Cancer Center, 217 S. Madison St., in Traverse City.
The event will spotlight lung cancer screening, prevention, and treatment – and will feature a 5x5 inflatable learning lung. Attendees can also interact with Munson’s new Ion Robot, a new technology that allows for a less invasive procedure and can take a biopsy of a nodule to see if it is cancer. A daVinci Robot, which assists in urologic and gynecologic surgeries, will also be there for attendees to interact with.
Starting at 5:30 pm, Munson Healthcare lung and pulmonary health experts will share a brief presentation and panel discussion covering lung cancer statistics, risk factors, and screening guidelines. Panelists include:
- Brandon Wojcik, M.D., cardiothoracic surgeon and Ion robot trained
- David Heimburger, M.D., radiation oncologist
- Andrew Riddle, D.O., medical oncologist
- Melanie Holtrop, M.D. pulmonary, critical care medicine and Ion robot trained
- Deborah Madison, lung cancer survivor who will share her journey
Attendees will also find an educational mini-expo featuring educational booths from Munson Medical Center’s oncology, surgical, and patient support teams.
According to MDHHS, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in Michigan.
The United States Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends yearly lung cancer screening for adults aged 50-80 years and smokers with a 20-pack-year smoking history.
“Lung Cancer is preventable, treatable, and beatable,” said Kathy LaRaia, Munson Healthcare vice president oncology and professional services. “Screening can prevent lung cancer through the detection and removal of pre-cancerous growths commonly found in lung nodules and also detect cancer at an early stage when treatment is more successful.”
“Although cigarette smoking is the biggest risk factor for lung cancer, it can also occur in people who have never smoked,” LaRaia added. “Learn what you can do to prevent lung cancer and see the advanced treatments available on November 21 at the Cowell Family Cancer Center.”
Nationally, November 21 is known as ‘The Great American Smokeout’ and Munson Healthcare is encouraging smokers to go ‘Cold Turkey’ and quit smoking. Resources will be available to help those interested in making a healthy lifestyle change. In honor of this day, cold turkey sandwiches and refreshments will be served.
The event is free, and no registration required.
Learn more about treatment by visiting munsonhealthcare.org/cancer/about-my-cancer/lung-cancer.