Lung Cancer Awareness Month: Specialized robot changing care in Baton Rouge
Nearly 230,000 people will be diagnosed with the disease this year, according to the American Association for Cancer Research
BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) - November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Just under 230,000 people will be diagnosed with lung cancer this year, according to the American Association for Cancer Research.
Lung cancer numbers
The organization estimates 63,040 men and 61,950 women will die from lung cancer in 2026.
Smoking is the most common cause of lung cancer in the United States. Cigarettes cause about 80% of lung cancer deaths.
Screening guidelines
Current screening guidelines recommend annual screening with a low-dose CT scan for adults ages 50 to 80 who have a 20-pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or have stopped smoking within the past 15 years.
Advanced technology in care
Over the past two years, Baton Rouge General has seen a 54% decrease in stage 3 and 4 lung cancer diagnoses. Increased lung cancer screening is helping detect more cancers at an earlier stage, when they are easier to treat.
Area hospitals, including Baton Rouge General, are using the Ion robot to treat lung cancer patients. The robot is designed to shorten the treatment path.
Ion was introduced in 2019. It allows clinicians to reach small lesions in all 18 parts of the lung.
More than 100,000 Ion biopsies have been completed. Ion allows for customized advanced imaging solutions and shape-sensing technology.
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