Lung Cancer: A Silent Killer in Florida
Sherrie Smyth, a 57-year-old mother of a teenager, was once healthy and active. However, she began experiencing shortness of breath, which led her to seek medical attention. Despite a diagnosis of adult-onset asthma, she continued to feel unwell and eventually discovered a large mass in her right lung. The diagnosis was stage 4, inoperable lung cancer that had spread to her adrenal glands and brain.
The Importance of Early Screening
Smyth’s story highlights the importance of early screening and advocating for oneself. "I am a big believer in early screening and advocating for yourself," she said. "If I had stopped at adult-onset asthma, I would be dead." Unfortunately, many Floridians are waiting too long to get screened, leading to a high mortality rate.
The State of Lung Cancer in Florida
According to the 2024 American Lung Association’s "State of Lung Cancer" report, lung cancer is the most lethal cancer in Florida, with only a quarter of Floridians with lung cancer getting diagnosed early. This delays treatment and reduces the five-year survival rate. Dr. Estelamari Rodriguez, a thoracic medical oncologist at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, attributes this to the state’s older population, low screening rates, and the relocation of people from countries where smoking is prevalent.
Getting Screened is Getting Easier
Sherrie Smyth continues to live a normal life, despite her lung cancer treatment. Her doctor no longer sees evidence of the cancer. Lung cancer diagnosis usually starts with an imaging test called a low-dose CT scan to look at the lungs. However, only about 15% of at-risk people get screened in Florida. Early treatment often involves surgery to remove the cancer in the lung before it spreads.
New Treatments for Lung Cancer
In an advancement, Florida oncologists are using biomarker testing to create a personalized treatment plan with fewer side effects. A new Florida law requires Medicaid and state employee health insurance plans to cover biomarker testing. Smyth underwent biomarker testing and developed a treatment plan of chemotherapy and immunotherapy, including medications new to the market. She will receive her last treatment on December 12, 20 months after her first infusion.
Conclusion
Lung cancer is a silent killer in Florida, and it’s essential to get screened early to detect it. The state’s high mortality rate is a concern, and it’s crucial to increase screenings to find it early. With new treatments and technologies, such as biomarker testing and CT scans, there is hope for a better prognosis. Sherrie Smyth’s story is a testament to the importance of advocating for oneself and seeking medical attention when something is not right.
FAQs
Q: Who is at high risk for lung cancer?
A: Anyone 50 to 80 years old who has a heavy smoking history, currently smokes, or has quit within the past 15 years is at high risk.
Q: What are the symptoms of lung cancer?
A: Shortness of breath, back pain, and cough are common symptoms of lung cancer.
Q: How can I get screened for lung cancer?
A: Talk to your doctor about getting a low-dose CT scan, and if necessary, a full-body PET scan.
Q: What are the new treatments for lung cancer?
A: Biomarker testing, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies are some of the new treatments for lung cancer.
Q: How can I reduce my risk of lung cancer?
A: Quit smoking, avoid secondhand smoke, and get regular screenings.
