November Is Lung Cancer Awareness Month

Main Category: Lung Cancer
Also Included In: Cancer / Oncology
Article Date: 22 Oct 2010 - 2:00 PDT


According to the American Cancer Society, more than 6,200 new cases of lung cancer are expected to be diagnosed in New Jersey this year, and 4,200 people will die from the disease. Nationally, more than 157,300 deaths are expected, accounting for 28 percent of all cancer deaths. The Cancer Institute of New Jersey (CINJ) is making experts available to discuss the risk factors surrounding the disease, as well as treatment and prevention options, during this National Lung Cancer Awareness Month. CINJ is a Center of Excellence of UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.

Symptoms include persistent smoker's cough, change of color or blood in phlegm, wheezing and recurrent pneumonia or bronchitis. Unexplained weight loss, bone pain, aching joints and a tired feeling can also be symptoms of the disease.

CINJ experts available for comment include:

Salma Jabbour, MD, is a radiation oncologist at CINJ and an assistant professor of radiation oncology at UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. Dr. Jabbour is a member of the Thoracic Oncology Program at CINJ and can discuss the benefits of, and advances in, combined treatments in lung malignancies. Her research interests include identifying genetic markers of recurrence in lung cancer and management of tumor movement during the course of radiation therapy.

Biren Saraiya, MD, is a medical oncologist at CINJ and an assistant professor of medicine at UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. Dr. Saraiya, whose specialty lies in the area of lung cancer, is an active member in CINJ's Palliative Care Program and can discuss palliative care needs as they relate to lung cancer. He also is building a clinical practice in genitourinary and lung cancers and is a member of CINJ's Thoracic Oncology Program.

Elliot Coups, PhD, is a behavioral scientist at CINJ and an associate professor of medical oncology at UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. Dr. Coups has published research examining the link between increased physical activity and greater quality of life in lung cancer patients and how those findings help shape discussions between clinicians and patients.

Source:
Cancer Institute of New Jersey

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