American Lung Association
American Lung Association
Dozens of local healthcare providers gathered with the American Lung Association in South Carolina earlier this month to discuss the latest advancements in lung cancer identification and treatment.
The event, South Carolina Community Connections: Lung Cancer Patient Identification, Screening and Biomarker Testing, was held Oct. 7 at the Queen Street Playhouse in downtown Charleston.
“Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in South Carolina and across the U.S. But there is hope. Research has fueled advancements in detection and treatment in the past decade, increasing the survival rate by 44 percent,” said Dr. Michael A. Spandorfer, director of Interventional Pulmonology and Advanced Bronchoscopy at Roper St. Francis Healthcare and physician with Lowcountry Lung and Critical Care.
Dr. Spandorfer was joined by:
- Dr. Nathan Averill – Palmetto Primary Care Physicians
- Dr. Brian Beaty, PhD – Roper St. Francis Physician Partners Radiation Oncology
- Dr. Mark Burbridge – Lowcountry Oncology Associates
- Dr. Elizabeth Kline – Roper St. Francis Physician Partners Thoracic Surgery and member of the Lung Association’s South Carolina Leadership Board
- Dr. Nicole Tanner, MSCR – MUSC Hollings Cancer Center and Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System
Lung cancer screening saves lives by detecting the disease early, when it is more likely to be curable. However, too few high-risk individuals are getting screened. To learn more about low-dose CT lung cancer screening and eligibility, visit SavedByTheScan.org.
Biomarker testing, which identifies changes in a tumor’s DNA, can also help guide targeted treatments that minimize side effects and focus on the cancer itself. People with lung cancer and their caregivers can learn more about comprehensive biomarker testing at Lung.org or by consulting their healthcare provider.
The South Carolina Community Connections event was designed for healthcare professionals in primary care, medical oncology, pulmonary medicine, thoracic surgery, and for fellows and medical students.
In recognition of Lung Cancer Awareness Month, hundreds of community members will come together on Saturday, Nov. 15, for the LUNG FORCE Run/Walk at Folly Beach County Park. The annual event raises funds for research, programs, and advocacy to fight lung cancer and find a cure.
To register or donate, visit LUNGFORCE.org/Charleston.