Each year lung cancer kills more women in the United States than breast cancer and more men than prostate cancer, colon cancer and pancreatic cancer combined, according to the American Cancer Society. The reason lung cancer is so deadly is because for many people symptoms do not present themselves until the later stages of the disease. Ashar Usmani, M.D., a pulmonologist at Piedmont Henry Hospital, will host a virtual event on Thursday, November 19, to discuss the signs and symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options for lung cancer.

  “One thing that needs to be made clear is that lung cancer is not just a disease that effects smokers,” said Dr. Usmani. “Smoking is the greatest risk factor, but non-smokers can be at risk because of exposures to chemicals, pollution, or genetics. Ultimately, we want those who are smoking to quit and we want non-smokers to continue to monitor their health with annual physicals and know what symptoms to look for.”

  The virtual event will take place from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. on November 19, which also is the day of The Great American Smokeout, a day many people use to be the first day in their journey to quit smoking. Less people smoke cigarettes today than people did over 50 years ago (42 percent in 1965 to 14 percent in 2017, according to the American Cancer Society) but that still means that 34 million Americans are smoking. Dr. Usmani urges all smokers to quit smoking and vaping.

  “Quitting smoking produces many benefits, regardless of how long you’ve been a smoker,” said Dr. Usmani. “Not only will your lung function and circulation improve within the first few weeks, your risk of heart attack is reduced and your risk of heart disease is half of that of a smoker after a year.”

  To learn more about quitting smoking, lung cancer and more, email PHHRSVP@piedmont.org for an exclusive link to this free event. The deadline to register is Monday, November 16.