Don’t Hold Your Breath and Wonder – Get Screened for Lung Cancer Today

As a thoracic surgeon, Emily Cassidy, M.D., focuses on treating chest organs, including the lungs. She works closely with oncologists and other cancer specialists to maintain a growing, comprehensive, multidisciplinary lung cancer program at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center. Recently, Dr. Cassidy moved her Thoracic Surgery Clinic to the first floor of the Cancer Center. There she will work even closer with the Cancer Center team to help enhance prevention, early detection and treatment of lung cancer. “Lung cancer is a survivable disease if we catch it at an early stage,” says Dr. Cassidy. “However, with most lung cancers being asymptomatic (showing no symptoms) at early stages, the only way to identify it is through screening.” November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month and Dr. Cassidy suggests that those who meet the criteria talk to their primary care physician about a quick, painless screening. She recommends getting screened if you are between the ages of 55 and 75 and currently smoke or if you have quit smoking in the past 15 years. “We can offer a 20% decrease in lung cancer deaths through proper screening,” says Dr. Cassidy. “Lung cancer is the number one cancer killer in the country. Patients need to know how much better their odds are catching this disease at an early stage.” Dr. Cassidy describes the screening as a non-invasive, low-dose CT scan that the patient receives yearly. To make an appointment for a lung cancer screening, call (225) 230-2525 and click here to read more about lung cancer. Hear more from Dr. Cassidy, including a new robotic surgery she is performing, which provides a less invasive and easier recovery for patients.