Parkland experts offer key tips for lung cancer prevention
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month
During Lung Cancer Awareness Month in November, Parkland Health experts want you and your loved ones to know about the benefits of early-detection and prevention.
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among adults in Dallas County, according to the 2022 Dallas County Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA). In response to this issue, the CHNA outlined several key strategies focused on prevention, screening and early detection with an emphasis on increasing referrals to smoking cessation programs.
“Stopping or reducing your tobacco use is one of the most impactful steps someone can take to lower their risk of developing lung cancer,” said Andrea Semlow, MS, MPH, global program manager of cancer prevention, screening and care integration at Parkland. “Quitting smoking not only lowers the risk of lung cancer but also benefits overall health, reducing risks for heart disease, stroke and other forms of cancer.”
Quitting smoking also helps you:
- Look and feel younger
- Breathe easier and cough less
- Prevent stains on teeth and fingernails
- Improve sense of smell and taste
- Have more time with your family and loved ones
There are a variety of resources available to those seeking to reduce or quit tobacco and take control of their health. From counseling to medications and nicotine replacement therapies, smoking cessation varies to support everyone's unique journey. The Parkland Smoking Cessation Clinic provides one-on-one counseling appointments and smoking cessation medication management that can help maximize your success.
“Anxiety and stress often decrease once the body adjusts to being nicotine free,” says Minnie Mathew, administrative director of global behavioral health at Parkland. “Overall, smoking cessation has profound effects on health, well being and quality of life.”
The Parkland smoking cessation group classes have a new look! Programs are offered both in-person at:
- Hatcher Station Health Center (4600 Scyene Rd., Dallas, 75210)
- deHaro-Saldivar Health Center (1400 N. Westmoreland Rd., Dallas, 75211)
- Garland Health Center (802 Hopkins St., Garland, 75040)
- Bluitt-Flowers Health Center (303 E. Overton Rd., Dallas, 75216)
- Moody Outpatient Center (5151 Maple Ave., Dallas, 75235)
- And virtually in English and Spanish
The course content has been refreshed and follows the American Lung Association (ALA)’s Freedom from Smoking curriculum. The program is comprised of four, 90-minute sessions and is offered in both English and Spanish. Classes cover topics ranging from identifying triggers, the benefits of quitting, stress management, handling cravings and more.
Parkland experts aim to dispel myths about lung cancer screening and smoking cessation. While some individuals may believe that quitting smoking won’t make a difference if they’ve smoked for many years, research shows that quitting, even later in life, can still substantially lower cancer risk.
Lung cancer is often diagnosed in advanced stages, which makes early detection all the more vital. Semlow recommends talking to your healthcare provider about getting an annual CT scan of your lungs if you are 50-80 years old and have a history of smoking. Even if you stop smoking, annual lung scans are recommended for up to 15 years after quitting.
A lung cancer screening is done via a low-dose computed tomography (CT) of your chest (also called a low-dose CT scan, or LDCT) and allows for detailed images of the lungs that help your healthcare provider detect any abnormalities. It is important to get screened every year to monitor changes in your lungs over time.
Thinking about quitting or cutting back on smoking? Parkland is here for you. Ask your primary care provider for a referral and schedule an appointment by calling 214-266-2506 or visiting www.parklandhealth.org/smoking-cessation.
For more information about Parkland services, visit www.parklandhealth.org.
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