Lung cancer options

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- Lung Cancer is the number one cancer killer in men and women. The reason for that is the upswing of smoking.

Although there is no cure for the disease, Dr. Paul Dale, oncologist at Peyton Anderson Cancer Center at Navicent Health, says there is hope.

“it’s interesting, most women don’t realize that the number one cancer killer in women now is lung cancer and not breast cancer.”

According to the american lung association, more than one hundred fifty thousand people are expected to die from lung cancer.

“The good news is that we’ve got some hope on the horizon,” said Dr. Dale.

If you’ve been a long time smoker, there’s a new program where you can get a cat scan done to detect the disease before you see symptoms.

“The earlier we find a cancer, whether it be breast or colon, or lung, then the higher the chance of you living a good long time or being cured of that cancer,” said Dr. Dale.

For patients who have been diagnosed, the next step is typically surgery. Recovery time isn’t as bad as it used to be.

“The thoracic surgeons that often do this are very skilled. they’re often able to just go in there with a thoracoscope, which is a lighted telescope,” said Dr. Dale.

Now there is a new alternative to chemotherapy.

“They’re called immunotherapy therapy type drugs, immunomodulators and what that means is that it uses your own body to fight the cancer,” said Dr. Dale.

This treatment would also depend on the stage of the cancer.

Dr. dale says he’s proud the Peyton Cancer Center provides different options and treatments for patients. They hope to continue to work on new ways to fight the disease.

If you or anyone you know is a chronic smoker, it’s important to talk to your doctor about a possible screening and other options.