SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News ) – A set of inflatable lungs were propped in the lobby of the Upstate Medical Cancer Center in Syracuse. That could only mean one thing. Thursday was the Great American Smoke Out and Vape Out, an event put on to teach people about the dangers of smoking.
“We are always bringing prevention and education and awareness here at Upstate to all our patients at all our clinics,” said Respiratory Therapist Theresa Hankin. “And today, we’re really shining a light on lung cancer and lung cancer prevention.”
The lung, which measures 10 feet long by 15 feet wide by 12 feet high, provided an overview of one of the body’s most critical organs. Inside the lung model, patients and visitors observed examples of lung cancer and discover its treatment option.
Lung cancer has been on a downward trend. According to the American Cancer Society, smoking rates have declined from 42 percent in 1965 to 14 percent in 2019. However, rates are increasing for adults 65 and older.
For Dr. Stephan Graziano, the reason why rates are declining amongst young people is because of the advances in technology.
“We’re using immunotherapy in virtually all stages of disease now from advanced stage four patients to earlier stage three and stage two patients, there are a lot of good signs and improvements in the outlook for patients with lung cancer,” said Dr. Graziano.
Treatment options are available in a variety of unique and innovative methods, but the most basic treatment option has been around for ages.
“Prevention is still probably the main factor in all these changes that we’re seeing,” said Dr. Graziano. “I think Americans are getting the message that smoking is bad for your health and stopping is good for your health.”
For more information on the Upstate Medical Cancer Center’s programs combatting lung cancer, Dr. Graziano and Hankin recommend to visit upstate.edu/cancer.
