Press release from Haywood Regional Medical Center:
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Join Dr. Scott Skibo, pulmonologist with Haywood Regional Medical Center (HRMC), for a presentation on “Lung Cancer: Improving outcomes through early detection, diagnosis and treatment” on Thursday Nov. 15 6 PM at Haywood Regional Health & Fitness Center.
Lung cancer is often dismissed as a ‘smoker’s disease’ as 87% of all lung cancers in the United States are smoking-related. But exposure to secondhand smoke also increase the risk of lung cancer. According to a General Surgeon Report, nonsmokers exposed to secondhand smoke increase their risk of developing lung cancer by 30 percent. You may read this full report at surgeongeneral.gov/library/reports.
”Despite the significant recent advances in lung cancer care, the best opportunity to improve outcomes remains with early detection and rapid diagnosis,” says Dr. Scott Skibo, Pulmnologist with HRMC.
Lung cancer is one of five of the most common types of cancer diagnosed for residents of Haywood County according to the Haywood County Health & Human Services Department. Early detection and rapid diagnosis using minimally invasive techniques at Haywood Regional could help catch potentially cancerous spots at their earliest and most treatable stage. Patient Linda Shepherd, 77, underwent a navigation bronchoscopy after complaints of a sore throat. She says, “I had quit smoking years ago. Not many people find their cancer and have it out in 2 weeks. That’s what this did for me. Isn’t that amazing?” Linda is now cancer free.
Dr. Skibo will address the detection and diagnostic methods available, and discuss how this fits into the bigger picture of improving lung cancer outcomes in Western North Carolina. Dr. Skibo will speak while patrons enjoy a healthy meal and he will answer questions following the seminar. To attend this complimentary dinner program, please call 800-424-DOCS (3627) to reserve your space. RSVP is required to attend.
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