Bassett Cancer Institute Shines a Light on Lung Cancer this November

Whiteout Wednesday

November 17 was Whiteout Wednesday, a virtual event sponsored by Bassett Cancer Institute (BCI) in order to raise awareness for Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Community members, patients, and Bassett employees wore white to shine a light on this disease.

In recognition of this event, Dr. Anush Patel shared the following remarks regarding the disease:

"Lung cancer is one of the deadliest cancers. In 2021, about 2,340,000 patients will be diagnosed with lung cancer in the United States. Smoking causes 80-85% of lung cancer in the U.S., and the risk increases with the packs per year smoked. Folks are more likely to get addicted to tobacco smoking if they start smoking at a younger age, so please educate our younger generations and teach them not to smoke. Lung cancer can also be present in non-smokers. Radon — an odorless, colorless gas naturally occurring in rocks — is the second most common cause of lung cancer in the United States. Radon is quite prevalent in Central New York, so we ask you to get radon levels checked in your house.

Lung cancers, like many other cancers, have the highest chance of cure if it's diagnosed at an early stage. Recent clinical trials have proven the benefit of early detection in 'high risk' patients — those aged 55-80 with a heavy smoking history. We are proud to provide low-dose, non-contrast CT scans to detect early stage lung cancer at Bassett, at multiple locations throughout the network.

At Bassett Healthcare Network, we provide comprehensive and personalized cancer therapy. Your comprehensive cancer care team consists of physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, administrative staff, nutrition specialists, financial counselors, and social workers. The science of cancer treatment has advanced significantly over the last decade or so and has led to targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and systemic chemotherapy. Our radiation therapy machines are extremely precise at performing radiosurgery.

Through our Shine a Light on Lung Cancer events, we at Bassett urge you all to take charge of your health and to educate others. Let us together make our community a healthier place to live for generations to come. Talk to your loved ones about the risk of smoking, get your home tested for radon, seek help from your medical team to quit smoking, and get screened if you have a high risk of lung cancer. And of course, continue showing support for those who are undergoing active cancer treatment.

Each one of us can make a difference in each other's lives. Thank you!"

The Great American Smokeout

November 18 was the Great American Smokeout — a day dedicated to quitting tobacco use. Patients who use tobacco and wish to quit are invited to visit our smoking cessation page to find resources.

Schedule your Lung Cancer Screening

Any patient who is between 50 and 77 years old and is a smoker or ex-smoker may be eligible for lung cancer screening. The screening is simple and quick, consisting of a low-dose CT chest scan. This service is offered at Bassett Medical Center, A.O. Fox Hospital, Little Falls Hospital, O'Connor Hospital, Cobleskill Regional Hospital, and Lab/Medical Imaging at FoxCare. Interested patients should schedule an appointment with their primary care practitioner, or call (607) 547-7953 to learn more.