Screening for lung cancer is pivotal in turning the tide against lung cancer

VANCOUVER –  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. 29), from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. in the Firstenburg Tower Lobby.

Come step inside a human lung model and learn more about normal lung functions, lung screenings and lung cancer. Meet the PeaceHealth care team committed to delivering comprehensive, personalized, cutting-edge care to patients.

“Lung cancer remains a significant public health challenge, claiming more lives each year than breast, prostate, and colon cancers combined,” shares Dr. Bhanu Patibandla, a pulmonologist at PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center. “But, with awareness and early detection, we have a powerful opportunity to make a difference.”

Screening for lung cancer is pivotal in turning the tide against lung cancer. It is done using low dose CT scans and is recommended for those 50-80 years of age who smoked the equivalent of 20 pack years. That means a pack a day for 20 years or two packs a day for 10 years, or something similar.

“By coming together as a community, we can erase the stigma that lung cancer is solely a ‘smoker’s disease’ and open up new opportunities for diagnosing lung cancer at early stages, when it’s most treatable,” adds Dr. Patibandla.

Members of the public are invited to stop by at any time between 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. for the Mega Lungs Event open house.

About PeaceHealth

PeaceHealth, based in Vancouver, 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 10 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.