Silver Cross Hospital to ‘Shine a Light on Lung Cancer’ Nov. 12

Each year, approximately 226,650 Americans are diagnosed with lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. – claiming more lives than breast, colon and prostate cancers combined.

To remember those lost, offer support and to highlight new treatments, Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox will host its fourth annual Shine a Light on Lung Cancer event on Wednesday, Nov. 12, at 5 p.m.

“This free event is for anyone affected by lung cancer – patients, family members, friends,” said Amy Ittersagen, BSN, RN, Silver Cross Lung Program Coordinator. Giveaways and light refreshments will be available.

Physicians who will be in attendance include Dr. Gillian Alex, Lung Surgeon, and Dr. Kristopher McDonough, Pulmonologist/Critical Care Medicine, and providers at The University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer, each of whom will give five-minute presentations.

“We’re proud to offer a range of services for lung patients – such as blood tests and treatment options – right here in our community, so there’s no need to travel miles for quality care,” says Ittersagen.

“One of the newest treatment options we offer is Aliya Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) therapy. This innovative, non-thermal technology uses short bursts of high-voltage electrical pulses to disrupt cancer cell membranes, leading to programmed cell death – without the use of heat.

“Delivered through a minimally invasive bronchoscopy, PEF is especially valuable for patients with limited treatment options. It not only targets tumors precisely, but may also stimulate the body’s immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells, offering new hope for those who have exhausted standard therapies,” Ittersagen explains.

“Using CIOS Spin during navigational bronchoscopies helps improve accuracy and confidence. It gives clear, real-time 3D images that help doctors see exactly where their tools are and confirm they’ve reached the right spot. This can lead to better results and fewer repeat procedures.”

Ittersagen said they also want to highlight the importance of lung cancer screenings for individuals between the ages of 50 and 80 who currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years, and who have a smoking history of at least 20 pack-years – smoking a pack a day for 20 years or half a pack a day for 40 years.

“They also must not be experiencing any symptoms of lung issues” she added. “That’s what the screening is for. If the screening detects something, we can then move forward with additional testing.

“And we suggest getting a screening every year to those who qualify, just like a mammogram. If there’s something abnormal, we want to catch it early.”

Shine a Light on Lung Cancer will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12, in the Silver Cross Conference Center on the Lower Level of Pavilion A on the New Lenox campus. To register for this free event, visit silvercross.org.

For more information on Lung Cancer Screening at Silver Cross Hospital, call 815-300-LUNG (5864).