Most health experts consider lung cancer to be one of the most difficult cancers to treat. Additionally, lung cancer is the number one cause of cancer-related death. It is responsible for more deaths annually than the second, third, and fourth causes of cancer-related death combined. However, new developments in detection and treatment, as well as increased knowledge and awareness about prevention, are giving all of us hope.
Can Lung Cancer Be Prevented?
While lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death, it can also be prevented. The most significant risk associated with lung cancer is smoking, which is estimated to be responsible for 80 to 90 percent of diagnoses. However, if you are a smoker, it is never too late to lower your risk of developing lung cancer by quitting, even after years of smoking. In fact, 10 years after quitting smoking, your risk of lung cancer can be reduced by 50 percent.
Lung cancer is not only caused by smoking. Additional risk factors can include exposure to:
- Secondhand smoke
- Radon Gas
- Asbestos
- Air Pollution
Approximately 12 percent of lung cancer cases occur in patients who have never smoked. By reducing your exposure to harmful substances, you can improve your lungs’ health.
If you need support to quit smoking, Tobacco Free Florida offers free tools and services to help. From group and personalized coaching and support to accessing effective methods such as nicotine patches, gum, or lozenges, you can find help that fits your needs.
Early Detection of Lung Cancer
One of the biggest issues with lung cancer is that it often remains undetected until it is in its advanced stages. Many of the symptoms can often be attributed to less serious conditions, leading to a delayed diagnosis. These symptoms can include:
- Persistent coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Unexplained weight loss
In recent years, there have been advancements in early detection, which have become a game-changer for screening for lung cancer. Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans are now being used to screen high-risk individuals like smokers and former smokers over the age of 50 with a heavy smoking history of 20-pack years* or more. According to a clinical trial sponsored by the National Cancer Institute, LDCT screenings can reduce lung cancer deaths by 20 percent.
All of us at Naples Cancer Advisors encourage at-risk individuals to speak to their healthcare providers about lung cancer screening. Early detection of lung cancer increases your chances of successfully treating the disease.
*A pack-year is determined by the number of packs of cigarettes smoked per day by the number of years smoked. For example, if you smoked one pack per day for 20 years, that would be 20 pack-years. Alternatively, if you smoked two packs per day for 10 years, that would also be 20 pack-years.
Advances in Lung Cancer Treatment
Over the past decade, there has been significant progress made in the field of lung cancer treatment. In addition to chemotherapy, treatment options include targeted therapies and immunotherapy:
- Targeted therapies offer a more personalized treatment approach to cancer care by attacking specific mutations in cancer cells.
- Immunotherapy uses your body’s immune system to better identify and destroy cancer cells.
Clinical trials continue to explore and uncover new ways to treat cancer. At Naples Cancer Advisors, we help patients access cutting-edge treatments and relevant clinical trials that could benefit their cancer care as part of our commitment to personalized care.
Naples Cancer Advisors Offers Compassionate Care
Naples Cancer Advisors is dedicated to providing platinum-level consultative oncology services to patients in Southwest Florida, completely free of charge. Our mission is to ensure that all cancer patients can access expert second opinions, clinical trial navigation, genetic testing, and financial assistance. All of our patients remain under the care of their cancer care team while our experts collaborate with their physicians, providing specialized expertise and knowledge.
We know that cancer can be overwhelming both emotionally and financially. Naples Cancer Advisors exists to bridge the gap in care so that no patient faces cancer alone. That is why our services are fully funded by generous donations and fundraising events, such as Wine Women and Shoes.
Join Us at Wine Women and Shoes!
You are invited to our annual Wine Women and Shoes event at the Naples Yacht Club on February 8, 2025. This event brings the community together for a day of fun, fashion, and philanthropy. Attendees can shop for unique finds with our vendors, participate in our silent and live auction, purchase a mystery shoe box, pick up a raffle ticket for a chance to win our Keys to the Destination valued at over $10,000, and much, much more! VIP guests will have exclusive access to a private yacht and wine tasting.
Whether by sponsoring the event, purchasing tickets, or making a donation, every contribution makes a difference. Together, we are giving hope to cancer patients and their families.
The Hopeful Future of Lung Cancer
While lung cancer remains one of the most formidable cancers, advancements in prevention, screening, and treatment are bringing hope to those with the disease. And for Lung Cancer Awareness Month, we urge you to take action! Take the first step to quitting smoking. Talk to your doctor about screening if you’re at risk. Or support organizations that raise awareness and are at the forefront of cancer care, like Naples Cancer Advisors.
We can all make a difference in fighting and ending cancer.