Vancouver, WA. – In recognition of Lung Cancer Awareness Month, the public is invited to join PeaceHealth Southwest for a Mega Lungs Event Open House on Wednesday, Nov. 20, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. in the Firstenburg Tower Lobby.
Come step inside a human lung model and learn more about lung health, specifically lung cancer. Meet the PeaceHealth care team committed to delivering comprehensive, personalized, and cutting-edge care to patients.
“Lung cancer is the #1 cause of cancer deaths globally and in the U.S., taking more lives each year than breast, prostate, and colon cancers combined,” shares Bhanu Patibandla, MD, a pulmonologist at PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center. “But, with screening and early detection, we have a powerful opportunity to make a difference.”
Screening for lung cancer plays a pivotal role in turning the tide against lung cancer. It involves an annual low dose CT scan and is recommended for individuals aged 50-80 years, who are currently smoking, or quit in the last 15 years with 20 pack-year smoking history. That means one pack a day for 20 years or two packs a day for 10 years, or something similar.
“We need to come together as a community, break the stigma and myths around lung cancer, and work together to catch it early, when it’s most treatable,” adds Dr. Patibandla.
Members of the public are invited to stop by at any time between 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. for the Mega Lungs Event open house.
About PeaceHealth: PeaceHealth, based in Vancouver, Wash., is a not-for-profit Catholic health system offering care to communities in Washington, Oregon and Alaska. PeaceHealth has approximately 16,000 caregivers, a group practice with more than 1,200 providers and 9 medical centers serving both urban and rural communities throughout the Northwest. In 1890, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace founded what has become PeaceHealth. The Sisters shared expertise and transferred wisdom from one medical center to another, always finding the best way to serve the unmet need for healthcare in their communities. Today, PeaceHealth is the legacy of the founding Sisters and continues with a spirit of respect, stewardship, collaboration and social justice in fulfilling its Mission. Visit us online at peacehealth.org.
