Arthritis Awareness Month

Posted on May 1, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

May is observed as Arthritis Awareness Month. The month serves as an opportunity to educate the public about the complex family of debilitating diseases.

An estimated 58.5 million adults in the U.S. are affected by some form of arthritis, accounting for about 23.7% of the population. As the number of older Americans continues to grow, and the rate of obesity and overweight increases, the number of people with arthritis-attributable activity limitations will only increase.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis, especially amongst older people. OA mostly affects cartilage by breaking down its surface. As cartilage wears away, bones rub together, causing pain, swelling, and loss of motion. Over time, these changes can affect the bones, tendons, and other joint tissues.

Other types of arthritis include:

Rheumatoid arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis

Gout

Juvenile arthritis

Ankylosing spondylitis

To diagnose arthritis, a healthcare provider will perform a physical exam, where they will examine the affected joints and ask about symptoms. During the healthcare provider’s examination of the joints, they will check their range of motion and compare them to other, similar joints.

A healthcare provider may also use imaging tests to take pictures of the joints. Imaging tests include:

X-ray

CT scan

Ultrasound

These tests help the healthcare provider see potential damage inside the joints. These tests also help them rule out any injuries or conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as broken bones.

A healthcare provider may also use blood tests to check uric acid levels if they suspect gout. Blood tests can also show any signs of autoimmune diseases or infections.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for arthritis. However, joint pain and other OA symptoms can be managed through treatment, lifestyle changes, and education. The most common treatments for arthritis include:

Physical therapy or occupational therapy

Over-the-counter (OTC) anti-inflammatory medicine, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or acetaminophen

Corticosteroids

Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)

Surgical procedures such as joint fusion or joint replacement

Arthritis Awareness Month is a time to emphasize research, service, and education about arthritis and raise funds to support the cause. The best way to get involved is by helping raise awareness for this public health priority.

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center is proud to serve the local community, and our patients value our person-centered, compassionate approach. Our friendly staff is standing by to answer any questions you might have. For further information on consultation, diagnosis, and treatments, contact us at 718-206-6742 or 718-206-7001 to make an appointment.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

National Infertility Awareness Week

Posted on April 22, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

April 19th to April 25th is observed as Infertility Awareness Week, a week dedicated to breaking the stigma around infertility, amplifying the stories of those who have and are experiencing infertility, and advocating for equitable access to care to help treat it.

Infertility is the condition that causes the inability to get pregnant after one year of trying to conceive.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that roughly one in six people worldwide is affected by infertility.

Infertility may happen because of a health issue with either you or your partner, or a mix of factors that prevent pregnancy. However, many safe and effective treatments can boost your chances of getting pregnant.

The main symptom of infertility is not getting pregnant. There may be no other clear symptoms. Some women with infertility may have irregular menstrual periods or no periods. Some men may have some symptoms of hormonal problems, such as changes in hair growth or sexual function.

Many couples will conceive eventually with or without treatment.

Women should talk with a healthcare professional about infertility if they have been trying to get pregnant for at least a year. Sooner if they:

Are 35 years or older and have tried to conceive for six months or longer

Are over the age of 40

Have had no periods or irregular or very painful periods

Have known fertility problems

Have endometriosis or a history of pelvic inflammatory diseases

Have had one or more miscarriages

Have received cancer treatment such as chemotherapy or radiation

Men should talk to a healthcare professional if they have:

A low number of sperm or other problems with sperm

A history of testicular, prostate, or sexual conditions

Had treatment for cancer, such as chemotherapy

Had hernia surgery

Testicles that are smaller than the typical adult size, or swollen veins in the scrotum

Had infertility with a partner in the past

Relatives with infertility problems

Sometimes, the issues that cause infertility in couples are present at birth. Other times, they develop in life.

Infertility can affect one or both partners. In some cases, no cause can be found. Some causes of male infertility can include:

Conditions that can affect how much sperm is made or sperm quality

Problems with sperm reaching the female reproductive tract

Certain environmental factors

Damage related to cancer and its treatment

Some causes of female infertility can include:

Ovulation disorders

Uterine conditions

Fallopian tube damage or blockage

Endometriosis

Primary ovarian insufficiency

Pelvic adhesions

Cancer and its treatments

Many risk factors for both male and female infertility are the same. They include:

Tobacco use

Marijuana use

Alcohol use

Being overweight or underweight

Exercise issues

Some types of infertility cannot be prevented. However, the following tips may boost your chances of pregnancy:

Couples should have sex often and soon after menstrual bleeding stops. One of the ovaries usually releases an egg in the middle of the cycle, which is midway between menstrual periods, for most people with menstrual cycles, that is about 28 days apart. It is ideal to have sex every day, starting five to seven days before an egg is released. Continue until two days after ovulation.

Before you are tested for infertility, your healthcare team or clinic will work to understand your sexual habits. They might make recommendations to improve your chances of getting pregnant. Unfortunately, for some couples, no cause for infertility is found. This is called unexplained fertility.

Men’s treatment for infertility may include:

Lifestyle changes

Medicines

Surgery

Sperm retrieval procedures

Some women need only one or two treatments to improve infertility. Others may need a few types of therapies to become pregnant, including:

Fertility medicines

Intrauterine insemination (IUI)

Surgery to restore fertility

Assisted reproductive technology (ART) is also used. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the most common ART technique.

At Jamaica Hospital’s Department of Women’s Health Services, we are passionate about meeting the various needs of women in our community. We proudly treat women from all walks of life and provide a warm and welcoming environment. To learn more about our OB/GYN services or to make an appointment, contact us at 718-291-3276.

Black Maternal Health Week: ElevateHer, Centering Pregnancy, and Heartwise

Posted on April 17, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Black Maternal Health Week takes place annually from April 11th to April 17th.

Founded and led by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance, this week-long campaign aims to build awareness, activism, and community-building to amplify the voices, perspectives, and lived experiences of Black mothers and birthing people.

Black Maternal Health Week highlights the importance of addressing the inequities of maternal and infant health.

According to data from the New York City Health Department, Black non-Hispanic women are about five times more likely to die from a pregnancy-associated cause than white non-Hispanic women.

This is due to the unfortunate number of disparities and challenges women in minority populations, such as Black women, may face pertaining to accessing prenatal care, including transportation issues, low socioeconomic status, lack of insurance, low education levels, and disparities in rural and urban healthcare access.

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center has three services to address these disparities: ElevateHer, Centering Pregnancy, and Heartwise.

ElevateHer is a comprehensive pregnancy program designed to support women throughout their pregnancy and postpartum journey. By taking a “whole person” approach, the program ensures that the health and well-being of the mother and baby are addressed. The program focuses on the health literacy of expectant and postpartum mothers by providing comprehensive, integrative healthcare education.

Heartwise care is an example of comprehensive integrative care, as it is designed to raise awareness of the heightened risks of cardiovascular disease related to pregnancy complications.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in women in the U.S. It is also the leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths in the U.S., which accounts for about 26.5% of such deaths. Approximately 1 in 3 pregnancy-related deaths are due to cardiovascular problems, with higher risks observed in Black women compared to their Hispanic or White counterparts.

Conditions, such as preterm delivery, hypertension, diabetes, etc., can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease by two to four times later in life. To combat this, the ElevateHer program partners with Jamaica Hospital’s award-winning cardiology department for patients to have the appropriate follow-ups in group settings.

In addition to ElevateHer and Heartwise, the Centering Pregnancy program, an innovative prenatal model, is designed to promote the overall health and well-being of mother and baby.

Unlike traditional one-on-one prenatal visits, this approach incorporates small group sessions to receive medical care, education, and emotional support, to foster meaningful relationships between participants and clinicians.

After an initial private visit with a provider, participants in the centering pregnancy program, all of whom are in similar stages of their pregnancy, meet in a small group setting for their prenatal appointments, where participants share with and learn from each other during their pregnancy. Each of the ten-centering prenatal care group sessions is approximately 90 minutes long. This group dynamic gives each of the participants the advantage of having more time with their provider.

At the beginning of the session, our facilitator will guide each patient to get weighed, have their blood pressure checked, and record their values for the provider to review. The provider will listen to the baby’s heartbeat and review the pertinent patient-specific information. After this information is collected, the 8-12 participants will form a circle and begin the fun and interactive educational session.

If you would like to learn more about these services, you can schedule an appointment with an OB/GYN at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Women’s Health Center. To learn more, please call (718) 291-3276.

IBS Awareness Month

Posted on April 2, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

April is observed as IBS Awareness Month, a month dedicated to raising awareness about irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a common disorder that affects the large intestine.

Researchers are unclear of what exactly causes IBS, but they categorize it as a neurogastrointestinal (GI) disorder. Neurogastrointestinal disorders, also known as gut-brain interaction, involve problems with how the gut and brain coordinate to help the digestive system work. This communication challenge between the brain and gut can cause:

Dysmotility

Visceral hypersensitivity

Other potential causes of IBS may include:

Gut bacteria

Severe infections

Food intolerance

Childhood stress

IBS affects approximately 15% of the U.S. population, causing abdominal pain and changes to the frequency of your bowel movements. Other symptoms of IBS include:

Diarrhea, constipation, or alternating between the two

Feeling like you are unable to empty your bowels after pooping

Cramps

Excess gas and bloating

Mucus in stool that makes it look whitish

If a person has IBS, they may notice when certain things trigger symptoms. A trigger doesn’t cause IBS itself, but it can cause or worsen symptoms to flare up. Common IBS triggers include:

Periods

Certain foods

Stress

Researchers categorize IBS based on how a person’s stool looks on the days when they’re having flare ups. Most people with IBS may experience days when they have normal bowel movements and days when they experience abnormal ones. The bowel movements on abnormal days define the type of IBS they have. The types of IBS include:

IBS with constipation (IBS-C)- most of the stool is hard and lumpy

IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D)- most of the stool is loose and watery

IBS with mixed bowel habits (IBS-M)- stool is both hard and lumpy and loose and watery

Post-infectious IBS- generally occurs after an infection in the intestines, and stool is either similar to IBS-D or IBS-M, with a smaller number of cases presenting stool as IBS-C

To diagnose IBS, a healthcare provider will get a full medical history by asking about your symptoms. Depending on your symptoms, they may need other tests to confirm a diagnosis. These tests include:

Lab tests

Imaging tests

No specific therapy works for everyone who has IBS. However, most people with IBS can find a treatment plan that works best for them. Typical treatment options for IBS include:

Modifying your diet

Exercising regularly and trying relaxation techniques

Therapy

Medications

No matter what form of IBS you are experiencing, working with a gastroenterologist can help you manage your symptoms effectively. You can schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 206-7001.

Happy National Doctors’ Day

Posted on March 30, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Today, March 30th, 2026, is observed as National Doctors’ Day.

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center would like to celebrate the dedicated and compassionate physicians who strive every day to provide high-quality care to their patients and to the community. Jamaica Hospital would like to recognize them and show our appreciation for all that they do for our hospital, our patients, and our community.

World Epilepsy Awareness Day (Purple Day)

Posted on March 26, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

World Epilepsy Awareness Day, or Purple Day, is observed on March 26th, a global initiative to raise awareness of epilepsy and support the millions of people living with it worldwide.

Approximately 65 million people are living with epilepsy across the world, and one in 26 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with epilepsy during their lifetime.

Epilepsy is a brain condition that causes recurring seizures. Most people who suffer from epilepsy generally have the same type of seizure each time, and symptoms are usually similar from episode to episode. The symptoms of seizures can vary depending on the type of seizure, and because epilepsy is caused by certain activity in the brain, seizures can affect any brain process. Seizure symptoms may include:

Short-term confusion.

A staring spell.

Stiff muscles.

Jerking movements of the arms and legs.

Loss of consciousness.

Psychological symptoms such as fear, anxiety, or déjà vu.

Sometimes people with epilepsy may have changes in their behavior and may also experience psychosis.

Seizures can be categorized as either focal or generalized, based on where in the brain the brain activity that causes the seizure originates.

Focal seizures are the result of brain activity in just one area of the brain. Focal seizures can fall into two categories: focal seizures with preserved consciousness or focal seizures with impaired consciousness.

Types of focal seizures include:

Temporal lobe seizures

Frontal lobe seizures

Occipital lobe seizures

Focal seizures may have warning signs called auras in the moments before a seizure begins. Auras might include a feeling in the stomach, emotions such as fear, or the feeling of déjà vu. They can also be a taste, a smell, or a visual, such as a steady or flashing light, a color, or a shape. Some people may even experience dizziness and loss of balance, or hallucinations.

Generalized seizures are seizures that involve all areas of the brain. Types of generalized seizures include:

Absence seizures

Tonic seizures

Atonic seizures

Clonic seizures

Myoclonic seizures

Tonic-clonic seizures

There is no identifiable cause of epilepsy in about half of the people with the condition. In the other half, the condition may be traced to various factors, including:

Family history of epilepsy

Head trauma

Brain tumors

Infections, such as meningitis, HIV, viral encephalitis, and some parasitic infections

Abnormal blood vessel formation or bleeding in the brain

Alzheimer’s disease

Strokes, heart attacks, and other conditions that deprive the brain of oxygen

Brain inflammation or swelling

Alcoholism or alcohol withdrawal

Injury before birth

Developmental conditions

Seizures can be caused by environmental triggers. These seizure triggers don’t cause epilepsy, but they may trigger seizures in people who suffer from epilepsy. Most people with epilepsy don’t have reliable triggers that always cause seizures. However, there are often factors that make it easier to have a seizure, including:

Flashing lights

Alcohol

Illicit drug use

Lack of sleep

Stress

Dehydration

Skipping doses of anti-seizure medicines or taking more than prescribed

Skipped meals

Illness

Epilepsy is diagnosed when a healthcare provider reviews your symptoms and medical history. They may perform several tests to diagnose epilepsy and to detect the cause of seizures. These tests include:

A neurological exam

Blood tests

Genetic testing

A healthcare provider may also request brain-imaging tests and scans that detect brain changes, including:

Electroencephalogram (EEG)

High-density EEG

CT scan

Functional MRI (fMRI)

PET scan

Single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT)

Neuropsychological tests

Along with the test results of these brain-imaging tests, a combination of other techniques may be used to help pinpoint where the seizures start in the brain. They include:

Statistical parametric mapping (SPM)

Electrical source imaging (ESI)

Magnetoencephalography (MEG)

Treatment can help people who have been diagnosed with epilepsy have fewer seizures or even completely stop having seizures. These treatments include:

Medicines

Therapies that include devices that stimulate the brain

Surgery

A ketogenic diet

If you are experiencing any symptoms of epilepsy, you can consult with a neurologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-7246.

National Eating Disorder Awareness Week

Posted on February 25, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

National Eating Disorder Awareness Week (NEDAW) takes place February 23rd – March 1st. NEDAW raises awareness about eating disorders, challenges stigma, and provides hope and support to all who have been impacted by these conditions.

Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that can cause unhealthy relationships with how a person thinks about food, eating, weight, and how they see themselves. If eating disorders aren’t treated effectively, they can become long-term problems and can be fatal in some cases.

Eating disorders are common. According to the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA), studies show that 28.8 million people in the U.S. will have an eating disorder in their lifetime.

There are several types of eating disorders. They include:

Anorexia nervosa restricts food and/or caloric intake, and creates a fear of gaining weight and a distorted self-image

Bulimia nervosa causes a person to binge or eat large amounts of food in a short amount of time, or believe that the food intake was large, which is followed by purging the food by vomiting or with the use of laxatives, or excessive exercise

Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) limits the amount or type of food eaten for reasons unrelated to a distorted self-image or an attempt to lose weight

Binge eating disorder causes a person to eat or think there is a large amount of food in a short time, followed by feelings of shame, regret, guilt, or depression

Pica causes a person to compulsively swallow non-food items, such as chalk, dirt, or paint

Rumination disorder causes undigested food to return to a person’s mouth after swallowing it. Food is then rechewed, re-swallowed, or spit out

It may be difficult to spot an eating disorder in a loved one, as they can often mimic some dietary or lifestyle changes. What’s more, you may not be able to tell if someone is suffering from an eating disorder by looking at them. Eating disorders have several signs and symptoms, including:

Mood swings

Fatigue

Fainting or dizziness

Thinning hair or hair loss

Unexplained weight changes or drastic weight loss

Unusual sweating or hot flashes

Behavioral symptoms of eating disorders include:

Restrictive eating

Eating a lot of food in a short amount of time

Avoiding certain foods

Forced vomiting after meals or misuse of laxatives

Compulsive exercising after meals

Frequent bathroom breaks after eating

Withdrawing from friends or social activities

Hiding food or throwing it away

Food rituals, such as chewing food longer than necessary or eating in secret

These symptoms look and feel different for each person and vary depending on the type of eating disorder they have, and can affect their health, emotions, and ability to function in important areas of life.

If a person has an eating disorder, they may experience several feelings, including:

Food is their enemy, or it can harm them

They did something wrong or shameful after they ate food

They aren’t the correct weight or body size

They are perceived negatively by other people

They are “failing” if they don’t meet certain food or weight requirements

What and how they eat is the only thing they can control in their life

They don’t want to spend time with others due to the fear of being judged

There isn’t an exact known cause for eating disorders. However, research has suggested that several factors can lead to a person developing an eating disorder, including:

Genetics

Brain biology

Underlying mental health conditions

Cultural and social ideals

Eating disorders can be developed by anyone at any age but are most common among adolescents and teenagers. A person may be at increased risk of developing an eating disorder if they:

Have a history of eating disorders or other mental health conditions in their biological family

Have an underlying mental health condition such as anxiety, depression, or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

Experienced a physical, emotional, or sexual trauma

Participate in activities where their weight or body size is a factor, such as swimming, gymnastics, or wrestling

Have gone through a major change, such as starting a new school or job, a divorce, or a move

Have type 1 diabetes. Studies have found that up to 25% of women with type 1 diabetes develop an eating disorder

Has a driven personality and is a perfectionist

Untreated eating disorders can cause a person to have several serious health complications, as severely restricting calories, vomiting, or extreme exercise can take a toll on their physical health. Complications include:

Arrhythmia, heart failure, and other heart problems

Stroke

Gastrointestinal problems

Acid reflux

Low blood pressure

Osteoporosis

Organ failure and brain damage

Severe dehydration and constipation

Stopped menstrual cycles

Tooth damage

A healthcare provider may diagnose a person’s eating disorder by reviewing their symptoms, performing a physical exam, and ordering imaging, blood, or urine tests.

A mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, can also diagnose an eating disorder by conducting a psychological evaluation to learn more about a person’s eating behaviors and beliefs. They will use the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5-TR) to make a diagnosis. The DSM-5-TR outlines symptoms for each type of eating disorder.

Treatments for eating disorders can vary by type, but they can include:

Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Medications such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, or other medications

Nutrition counseling from a registered dietitian

As a mental health condition, your feelings about food or your body image may put you at risk of suicide or suicidal thoughts. If at any time you feel overwhelmed or need someone to talk to, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (U.S.). Someone is available to help you 24/7.

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of an eating disorder and needs the assistance and support of a mental health professional at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-5575 to schedule an appointment. Call 911 if there is an emergency.

Maternal Health Awareness Day

Posted on January 23, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

January 23rd is observed as Maternal Health Awareness Day, a day that recognizes the importance of spreading awareness and reducing maternal mortality.

Maternal mortality refers to deaths due to complications from pregnancy or childbirth. It is a major problem in the United States. The U.S. has the highest maternal mortality rates among developed countries and is the only advanced country to have maternal mortality rates that have increased in recent decades.

Black and indigenous women in the U.S. are particularly at risk, as their maternal mortality rates are two to three times as high as those of other women. What’s more, black women in the U.S. are four times more likely to die due to pregnancy-related complications compared to their white counterparts.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines pregnancy-related deaths as any deaths that occur during pregnancy or within one year of the end of pregnancy from pregnancy complications that affect the mental or physical health of a woman, her baby, or both.

Pregnancy-related deaths may occur due to:

The pregnancy causing a new medical or mental health problem

The pregnancy starting a chain of events that result in death

The pregnancy making an unrelated medical condition worse

According to the CDC, an estimated 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable.

Many social factors contribute to pregnancy-related deaths. Social factors are any nonmedical conditions, such as where women live, work, and spend their free time, that can affect their health. Social factors such as their income and access to high-quality care can affect a woman’s ability to manage conditions, like high blood pressure or diabetes, that can increase maternal risk.

The CDC recommends these tips for pregnant and expectant women, which can help prevent and treat severe pregnancy-related complications:

Starting prenatal care early

Seeing a healthcare provider throughout the pregnancy

Attending all postpartum visits

If you would like to learn more about maternal health, you can schedule an appointment with an OB/GYN at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Women’s Health Center. To learn more, please call (718) 291-3276.

National Safe Toys and Gifts Month

Posted on December 12, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

December is National Safe Toys and Gifts Month. It is an annual observance dedicated to promoting the safety of toys and gifts for children, particularly during the holiday season. It serves as a reminder to parents, caregivers, and gift-givers to choose age-appropriate and safe toys to ensure the well-being of the children who receive them.

Started by the nonprofit organization Prevent Blindness, National Safe Toys and Gifts Month focuses on raising awareness about the importance of selecting toys and gifts that meet safety standards and align with a child’s age and developmental stage. The month aims to prevent accidents and injuries caused by inappropriate or hazardous toys, especially when gift-giving is most common.

Too often, accidents involving children and toys occur and may result in eye injuries. Each year, thousands of children ages 14 and younger suffer serious eye injuries, including blindness, from toys, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Approximately one in ten children’s eye injuries caused by toys end up in the ER.

Promoting safe toys and gifts during this month is essential for children’s well-being. Ways to participate and ensure safe gift-giving include:

Check the labels of the toys before purchasing them. Always look for age-appropriate labels on toys and gifts and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Avoid toys with small parts, which can be choking hazards for young children.

Inspect the toys for any hazards by examining them for sharp edges, loose parts, or any potential dangers that could harm children.

Research the toys and gifts online by reading reviews and asking for recommendations from other parents and caregivers.

Consider the child’s age before buying any gifts or toys. Also consider their interests and abilities when selecting gifts for them.

Support educational toys by choosing toys and gifts that encourage learning, creativity, and development.

Spread awareness by sharing safety tips and information about safe toys and gifts month with your community and on social media.

Taking proper precautions can avoid many accidents and injuries involving children’s toys. Let’s all do our part to encourage their safety.

To schedule an eye exam for your child at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ophthalmology Center, call (718) 206-5900. If there is an emergency, please call 911.

Lung Cancer Awareness Month

Posted on November 21, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, an annual observance dedicated to increasing awareness about lung cancer, its risk factors, early detection, and treatment options.

Lung cancer is the number one cause of cancer death, claiming more lives each year than breast, prostate, ovarian, and kidney cancers combined.

Lung cancer is a kind of cancer that starts with the growth of cells in the lungs. It doesn’t usually cause symptoms early on; however, the symptoms of lung cancer occur when the disease is advanced. Signs and symptoms of lung cancer that happen in and around the lungs include:

A new cough that doesn’t go away

Chest pain

Coughing up blood

Hoarseness

Shortness of breath

Wheezing

In addition to the signs and symptoms of lung cancer in the lungs, some symptoms occur when the cancer spreads to other parts of the body, including:

Bone pain

Headaches

Losing weight without trying

Loss of appetite

Swelling in the face or neck

Lung cancer occurs when cells in the lungs develop changes in their DNA. A cell’s DNA holds instructions that tell a cell what to do. In healthy cells, the DNA gives instructions to grow and multiply at a set rate. The instructions also tell the cells to die at a set time.

In cancer cells, DNA changes give different instructions. The changes tell the cancer cells to make many more cells quickly. Cancer cells can keep living when healthy cells die, causing too many cells.

Cancer cells might form a tumor. The tumor can grow to invade and destroy healthy body tissue. In time, cancer cells can break away and spread to other parts of the body, causing metastatic cancer.

Smoking causes most lung cancer. It can cause lung cancer in both smokers and non-smokers who have been exposed to secondhand smoke. However, people who have never smoked or been exposed to secondhand smoke can develop lung cancer.

Researchers believe smoking causes lung cancer by damaging the cells that line the lungs. Cigarette smoke contains cancer-causing substances known as carcinogens. When cigarette smoke is inhaled, carcinogens immediately cause changes in the lung tissue. The body may be able to repair the damage at first, but with each repeated exposure, healthy cells lining the lungs become more damaged. Over time, the damage causes cells to change, eventually developing into cancer.

Lung cancer is divided into two major types based on the appearance of cells under a microscope. The two general types of lung cancer include:

Small-cell lung cancer

Non-small cell lung cancer

A lung cancer diagnosis often starts with an imaging test to look at the lungs for signs of cancer before it develops. Other tests used to diagnose lung cancer include:

Sputum cytology

Biopsy

There are also additional tests that can be performed if a person is diagnosed with lung cancer to see if the cancer has spread. These tests allow a healthcare provider to know what stage the cancer is in. The stages of lung cancer range from 1 to 4. These staging tests often involve imaging tests such as an MRI, CT scan, bone scans, and a PET scan. If the cancer is in stage 1, the cancer is small and only in the lung. As cancer grows larger or spreads outside of the lungs, the numbers get higher. Stage 4 lung cancer means the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

Treatment for lung cancer usually begins with surgery to remove the cancer. However, if the cancer is very large or has spread to other parts of the body, surgery may not be possible. As an alternative, treatment may start with medicine and radiation instead. A healthcare team will consider many factors when creating a treatment plan. These factors may include:

Overall health

The type and stage of cancer

The patient’s preferences

Another type of treatment for lung cancer is palliative care. Palliative care specialists will work with the patient, their family, and healthcare team to provide extra support while the patient goes through their cancer treatment.

Unfortunately, there isn’t a sure way to prevent lung cancer. However, you can reduce your risk by not smoking or quitting smoking, avoiding secondhand smoke, eating a diet of fruits and vegetables, and exercising most days of the week.

If you would like to learn more about lung cancer treatments, or to learn more about our cancer care program, you can schedule an appointment with an oncologist at our MediSys Health Network Cancer Center by calling (718) 206-6742.