By Denise Barajas, MD, FACS, Medical Director, Center for Cancer Care and Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital
August 1 is World Lung Cancer Day, highlighting the prevalence of this disease, its symptoms and risk factors and the efforts being made to prevent and successfully treat this harmful health condition.
Lung Cancer is a major health issue across the globe and here in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, lung cancer (both small cell and non-small cell) is the second most common cancer in both men and women in the United States (not counting skin cancer). The Society estimates there will be about 229,410 new cases of lung cancer and about 124,990 deaths from lung cancer in 2026. Lung cancer is by far the leading cause of cancer death in the US, accounting for about 1 in 5 of all cancer deaths. Each year, more people die of lung cancer than of colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined.
Fortunately, the number of lung cancer cases has been decreasing as more people are quitting smoking (or not starting). The number of deaths from lung cancer also continues to decrease with this drop in people smoking and advances in early detection and treatment.
According to the 2025 Valley Community Index, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the Valley and the rate of lung cancer death is significantly higher than the state average. As a community-focused and person-centered healthcare provider, Griffin Health offers a range of lung health services, including its free tobacco and nicotine cessation program, Low-Dose Lung Cancer Screening Program, Pulmonary Rehabilitation, and The Sleep Wellness Center.
Annual lung screening with low-dose computed tomography (CT) has been shown to save lives by detecting lung cancer early, when it is more treatable. Griffin’s Low-Dose Lung Cancer Screening Program is recommended for individuals ages 50-80 who have smoked at least an average of one pack of cigarettes a day for 20 years. This includes people who still smoke or have quit within the past 15 years. Those who currently have symptoms of a lung condition, such as a new cough or shortness of breath, are not eligible. Griffin recommends that individuals with lung condition symptoms see a physician as soon as possible. For more information about the Griffin Health Low-Dose CT Lung Cancer Screening Program, visit griffinhealth.org/lung.
Tobacco use remains the leading preventable cause of death in the U.S., accounting for about 1 in 5 deaths each year. Griffin’s free tobacco and nicotine cessation program, That’s It – Learn to Quit, offers education, advice and support to help individuals prepare to quit. Visit griffinhealth.org/tobacco-cessation for more information and upcoming program dates.
Griffin Health Pulmonary Rehabilitation is designed for those living with chronic lung diseases whose symptoms are compromising their quality of life and well-being. This program helps individuals diagnosed with COPD, Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema, Bronchiectasis, Interstitial Lung Disease, Pulmonary Fibrosis, Pulmonary Hypertension, Sarcoidosis, and Lung Cancer. Call 203-732-7106 or visit griffinhealth.org/treatments/pulmonary-rehabilitation for more information.
The Sleep Wellness Center at Griffin Hospital is a comprehensive program that offers state-of-the-art sleep medicine. The center specializes in diagnosing and treating sleep disorders such as insomnia, sleep apnea, snoring, restless leg syndrome, and narcolepsy. The four-bed Center incorporates a patient-centered model of care, with beautifully appointed sleep study rooms and is accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine as a sleep disorders center. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 203-732-7571 or visit griffinhealth.org/sleep-wellness.