Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center and Atrium Health Levine Cancer are holding a free lung cancer awareness fair, Wednesday, Nov. 6 from 8 to 11 a.m. at Wake Forest Baptist’s Downtown Health Plaza, located at 1200 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. in Winston-Salem.
The free event is open to all adults, regardless of insurance coverage, income level or immigration status.
One in 16 people will be diagnosed with lung cancer in their lifetime, according to the American Cancer Society. Lung cancer is the deadliest type of cancer for both men and women, and each year, more people die of lung cancer than of breast, colon and prostate cancers combined. That is why screening and early detection is so important.
The Atrium Health Levine Cancer Mobile Screening Unit will be on site and free lung screenings will be offered to individuals who:
- Are between 50 and 80 years of age
- Are uninsured, underinsured or covered by Medicaid
- Have a 20 pack-year smoking history (one pack a day for 20 years or two packs a day for 10 years)
- Currently smoke or have quit smoking within the past 15 years
In addition to the lung screenings, a variety of resources will be offered, including:
- Education on the importance of lung screenings and early detection of lung cancer
- Education on symptoms and treatment for lung cancer
- Resources to assist with smoking cessation
- Opportunities to connect with community organizations
Participants will also receive light refreshments and there will be giveaways.
“It is so important for us to educate everyone on the importance of early detection and help expand health care access to our entire community,” said Dr. Alberto de Hoyos, a cardiothoracic surgeon at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist and professor of cardiothoracic surgery at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. “Last year was a success and we look forward to hosting this event once again and helping decrease the burden of cancer on the communities we serve.”
For those who require follow-up care, the team will offer onsite counseling that educates patients and ensures they know what care is needed, why it’s needed and how to access this care.
Wake Forest Baptist is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in the region.
Those who wish to learn more about the event may call 336-713-3665 or email CancerEquity@WakeHealth.edu.
Media contacts: Jenna Kurzyna, jkurzyna@wakehealth.edu; Joe McCloskey, jmcclosk@wakehealth.edu