CHRISTUS Health recognizes Lung Cancer Awareness Month in November

In recognition of Lung Cancer Awareness Month, CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini is offering free lung cancer screenings on Saturday, November 15, from 9 to 11 a.m. in the Women’s and Children’s atrium.

In addition to free screenings, CHRISTUS Health is raising awareness about the importance of early detection and offering patients access to one of the most advanced diagnostic tools available: the Ion Robotic Navigational Bronchoscopy System.

This minimally invasive technology allows physicians to perform highly accurate lung biopsies with reduced risk, reaching areas of the lung that were previously difficult to access.

“Lung cancer is often diagnosed after it has already advanced,” said Dr. Lorenzo Leys, pulmonologist at CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Health System. “With this technology, we can detect cancer earlier and offer patients a safer, more precise way to move forward with care.”

During the procedure, a catheter is inserted through the patient’s mouth and into the airway to reach the lungs, thereby minimizing complications and increasing accuracy. The Ion system complements low-dose CT screenings, which remain the standard for identifying lung cancer in its earliest stages.

According to the American Cancer Society, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, accounting for about one in five cancer deaths.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends annual screenings for adults ages 50 to 80 who currently smoke or quit within the last 15 years and have a 20-pack-year smoking history.

Common symptoms of lung cancer include:

• Coughing up blood
• Shortness of breath
• Chest discomfort
• Hoarseness
• Loss of appetite
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue
• Frequent respiratory infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia