Lung Cancer Awareness Month: Experts encourage screenings, discourage vaping and tobacco use

 

BROOKFIELD, Wis. (CBS 58) -- November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, and medical experts are encouraging people with a smoking history to seek out screening, while discouraging tobacco and nicotine use.

According to the American Lung Association, there are currently 4,600 people living with lung cancer in Wisconsin.

More than half will die from the disease, but modern screening and treatment can help many people survive.

"We now have a wider screening net for anybody between the ages of 50 and 80 that smoke or has smoked more than a 20-pack-year smoking history," said Dr. Hasnain Bawaadam of Aurora Pulmonary Clinic in Kenosha.

Dr. Bawaadam recommends middle-aged people with a smoking history talk to their doctor about lung cancer screening eligibility.

"The earlier it's detected, the earlier it can be treated," said Michelle Mercure, the national director of tobacco programs for the American Lung Association.

More screenings are using updated technology, like robotic bronchoscopy, to catch lung cancer early.

"We're able to get to these very tiny, small nodules way out in the peripheries and get an answer for the patient in no time," Dr. Bawaadam said.

The American Lung Association says number one cause of lung cancer is a fading trend among all age groups.

"We've seen some decreases in cigarette consumption, traditional commercial tobacco," Mercure said.

However, vaping remains popular.

A new report by the CDC shows it has decreased among high schoolers, but more than doubled for middle schoolers.

"We're seeing students that are taking up vaping that maybe would have never touched a cigarette in their lifetime," Mercure said.

"We've seen several causes of lung damage and malignancies," Dr. Bawaadam said.

The earlier nicotine use starts, the greater the risk for addiction, but Mercure says it's never too late to stop.

"There is help available when people are ready to quit," Mercure said. "Whether that's a teen or an adult, we have lots of resources to help people when they're ready."

The American Lung Assocation has conversation guides for parents on its website, to help parents talk to their children about vaping and tobacco use.

Click here for resources from the American Lung Association.