1. Lung Cancer 101 Carissa Thompson RN, BSN, OCN

2. Dispelling the myths O “Only smokers get Lung cancer” O “More women die from Breast cancer than from Lung Cancer” O “I am too young to get Lung Cancer” O “There is nothing I can do to lower my risk” O “Lung cancer rates are decreasing now that fewer people are smoking” O “If I already have Lung cancer it doesn’t matter if I quit smoking” O “Lung cancer is a death sentence”

3. “Statistics are compiled from the experiences of large numbers of people… ”

4. Lung Cancer Risk Factors *Tobacco Smoke (including cigarettes, cigars, pipes) *Secondhand smoke exposure *Radon exposure *Asbestos exposure *Exposure to respiratory irritants (diesel exhaust, smog, silica)

5. Early detection is the key!! O Low dose CT. O Annual CXR O Monitoring of PFT’s O Annual Physicals O Report any health changes O Reduce your risk!! (smoking cessation, reduce environmental exposure)

6. Symptoms of Lung Cancer Often patients have no symptoms until cancer has advanced. Common symptoms: O cough (especially one that doesn't go away or gets worse in character) O chest pain O shortness of breath O coughing up blood or bloody phlegm O new onset hoarseness or wheezing O recurrent problems with pneumonia or bronchitis O weight loss O loss of appetite O Retrieved on 8/12/2009 from http://oncolink.org/types/article.cfm?c=9&s=76&ss=781&id=8037&p=2

7. Hot off the press- New screening guidelines O November 9th, 2011 the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) updated surveillance guidelines for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer encouraging annual screening for HIGH RISK patients. Those people include: O Age 55-74 AND O ≥ 30 pack year history of smoking AND O Smoking cessation < 15 years OR Age ≥ 50 AND ≥ 20 pack year history of smoking AND One additional risk factor other than second hand smoke. These factors include radon exposure, occupational exposure, family history of lung cancer, personal cancer history, history of COPD.

8. KNOWLEDGE IS POWER!! O Dispel the myths O Know the facts about risk and early detection O Surround yourself with strong positive people O Have HOPE!!