From David M. Waterhouse, MD, MPH, medical oncologist, hematologist and co-director of the department of clinical research at OHC
November 2, 2018
In August of 2005, Peter Jennings lost his life to lung cancer. The well-known anchorman was a long-time smoker and just 67 when he died. While tragic, Jennings’ death brought renewed attention to a disease that kills an estimated one million people worldwide annually. In our country, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer related death in both men and women.
There are several things that can cause lung cancer. However, studies show that about 90 percent of all lung cancer cases in the United States are smoking related. That’s why there is so much focus on education to prevent people from starting and to help people quit. The American Cancer Society calls tobacco use the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the United States. These statistics are frightening, yet it is estimated that almost 38 million Americans are current smokers.
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, a time when caregivers across the nation work to increase awareness and knowledge of lung cancer. With such a high percentage of lung cancer cases attributed to smoking, our doctors and nurses at OHC educate patients year-round about the negative effects of tobacco use.
In addition to educating patients about the negative effects of tobacco use, we also support the work to continue making advances in the diagnosis and treatment of the disease. OHC doctors and researchers actively participate in cancer clinical trials to help find new ways to screen for, diagnose and treat lung cancer.
For example, OHC participated in clinical trials that investigated the drugs Opdivo, Ketruda and Yervoy. Our work helped get FDA approval for these drugs, which have shown remarkable success with patients who were diagnosed with late stage lung cancer. Our patients have been taking these meds for 3-4 years and, not only are they still with us, they are thriving, living side-effect-free lives. Some of them report that they often forget they have cancer.
With more than 85 percent of cancer care delivered in community-based settings, cancer doctors like OHC play a major role in providing patients with easy access to the latest technologies and treatments.
OHC participates in numerous clinical trials because we’re committed to giving patients access to the latest treatments. And as part of The US Oncology Network, one of the nation’s largest cancer treatment and research organizations, we can provide patients access to groundbreaking clinical trials that are not available elsewhere.
It’s an honor to be a part of what we consider “medical history” because with every study and every success, we’re one step closer to eradicating cancer. And we’re doing this right here in Cincinnati.
As work continue to develop better screening, diagnosis and treatment for lung cancer, we must also continue to spread the message about the importance of not smoking. The new treatments are exciting; however, the best way to beat lung cancer is to prevent lung cancer. Stop smoking today. If you have already stopped smoking but smoked significantly in the past, ask your doctor about lung cancer screening CT scans. Early detection can also lead to improved outcomes.
For more information about lung cancer, treatments and clinical trials, please browse this web site or call OHC at 1-888-649-4800.
