MCG RECOGNIZES LUNG CANCER AWARENESS WEEK

November 4, 2002

Augusta, Ga. -- Lung cancer is the number-one cancer killer in this country. But while millions of dollars pour into research for breast, prostate and other cancers, lung cancer remains one area that receives relatively little support.

Yet with nearly 155,000 Americans estimated to die this year from the disease (more than the total of deaths from breast, prostate and colorectal cancers combined), the need for research and education is even greater.

And consider this sad truth: Lung cancer is mostly preventable. "More than 90% of cases of lung cancer are related to smoking," said Dr. Andre Kallab, an oncologist with MCG Health System who specializes in lung cancer. "Quitting the habit or not starting to smoke to begin with would certainly decrease a person's risk of developing lung cancer."

At highest risk are men and women 60 or older who are smokers or have a history of smoking; those with previous lung tumors; and those who suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (emphysema, chronic bronchitis, chronic asthma and other types of lung disease).

As with any cancer, early detection is key. While no one test has yet been developed to screen for lung cancer, physicians are looking at low-dose CT scans of the chest as a possible way to detect the cancer at an early stage, according to Dr. Kallab. Current practice is to utilize a battery of tests, such as chest x-rays, CT scans, brochoscopy, biopsy and PET scans, to diagnose lung cancer.

Until a single test is found, those at risk can also look for certain signs and symptoms, including:

• Persistent or intense smoker's cough, or non-smoker's cough that persists for more than two weeks
• Persistent chest, shoulder or back pain unrelated to pain from coughing
• Increased volume, change in color or blood in sputum
• Wheezing
• Recurrent pneumonia or bronchitis

Other symptoms may include fatigue, loss of appetite, headaches, bone fractures, neck and facial swelling and neurologic symptoms such as unsteady gait or memory loss.

MCG Health System recognizes November 11-17 as Lung Cancer Awareness Week with the simple request: If you don't smoke, don't start. And if you smoke, stop.

"If a smoker quits today, within five years his or her risk of contracting lung cancer begins to decline and it keeps on declining every year thereafter," said Dr. Kallab.

MCG HealthCare is the health system of the Medical College of Georgia and is comprised of MCG Health, Inc. and the clinical services offered by the faculty of the School of Medicine and the members of the Physicians Practice Group. MCG Health, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation operating the MCG Hospitals and Clinics, Children's Medical Center, the Georgia Radiation Therapy Center and related clinical facilities and services. MCG Health, Inc. was formed to support the research and education mission of the Medical College of Georgia and to build the economic growth of the CSRA, the state of Georgia and the Southeast by offering the highest level of primary and specialty health care.