Medical Monday: Lung and pancreatic cancer awareness

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Navicent Health is working to inform Middle Georgians about the causes and symptoms of pancreatic and lung cancer for the month of November.

November is National Lung Cancer Awareness Month and National Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month.

Darquita Loyd, Patient Advocate Nurse at Peyton Anderson Cancer Center, Navicent Health says pancreatic and lung cancer are dangerous because symptoms begin to show in the later stages of the cancer.

Pancreatic cancer is more common in people who are use tobacco, are overweight, have diabetes or a poor family history. The American Cancer Society estimates 42,000 people will die because of the disease this year.

Lung cancer can be cause by smoking or exposure to radon. It’s also common is people who inhale asbestos. Common symptoms can be shortness of breath or a prolonged cough. The American Cancer Society estimates 158,000 people will die because of lung cancer this year.

Navicent Health is hosting multiple events this month to help people quit smoking. For more information, please call 478-633-9090.