Fredericksburg Parent

www.FredericksburgParent.NET 33 Join us for the live conversation on Sponsored Material Stay tuned to the Fredericksburg Parent & Family YouTube and Facebook channels this month for a video interview featuring Mary Washington Healthcare. Facebook: @fredericksburgparent • Twitter: @FredParent Instagram: @fredparentmagazine a sk t h e e x p e rt FDA authorization doesn't mean it's safe In October, the FDA for the first time authorized the marketing of one specific brand of e-ciga- rette and cartridges specifically for the purpose of helping addicted adult smokers to wean them- selves off cigarettes. The FDA stated that the action "does not mean these products are safe or 'FDA approved.'" Sherwood says it's important for parents to understand that the only potential health ben- efit the FDA identified from e-cigarettes is their potential to help current smokers consume fewer cigarettes. For youth who have never smoked, e-cigarettes can cause only harm. "For children it is a completely different set of circumstances," he says. "It's a gateway to tobac- co usage." As a thoracic surgeon, Sherwood feels strongly about the need to curb youth tobacco use of all kinds, because smoking is the No. 1 risk factor for lung cancer, linked to 80% to 90% of lung cancer deaths, according to the CDC. Lung cancer is by far the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., according to the American Cancer Society, which estimates the disease will take more than 130,000 lives in 2021. "The best way to combat lung cancer is to elimi- nate cigarette usage completely," Sherwood says. Talk to Kids About Vaping (Tips from the American Lung Association) • Maintain an open line of communication with kids about all tobacco use. Remember to put yourself in your kid's shoes—be aware that they are battling peer pressure. • Avoid judgement when talking to your child. Kids may react defensively or tune out. • Find the right moment to talk—such as when you are passing a vape shop or watching a show on TV. Look for a moment when the conversation won't be confrontational. For more tips, visit lung.org/quit-smoking/helping-teens-quit/ talk-about-vaping For the estimated 34 million American adults who are regular smokers, awareness of lung cancer screening capabilities is an important part of fighting lung cancer. Mary Washington Healthcare's Lung Cancer Screening Program uses low-dose CT scanning to examine the lungs of individuals who are at high risk for lung cancer due to their smoking history. Recently updated federal guidelines state that individuals ages 50 to 80 who have a 20-pack-year smoking history (one pack per day for the past 20 years) and are currently smoking or have quit in the past 15 years should receive annual screenings. Private insurers are required to cover these screenings under the Affordable Care Act, while Medicare enrollees are currently eligible for screenings at ages 55-80 with a 30-pack-year smoking history. Sherwood says the scan takes about 10 minutes, and results are read by specially trained radiologists who can identify and classify any lung nodules detected, and refer the patient for next steps, whether that is continued screening, diagnostic imaging or consultation with a specialist. Lung screening can detect cancers long before individuals may notice or experi- ence any symptoms. At this stage of early detection, cancers are far more treat- able and curable. Comprehensive cancer care in the Fredericksburg region Smoking prevention and lung cancer screening are part of Mary Washington Health- care's comprehensive approach to lung cancer care. MWHC is constantly seeking the latest innovations in cancer diagnosis and treatment. MWHC participates in several clinical research trials for early detection of lung cancer and lung cancer treatment. One of our studies is designed to collect and ana- lyze blood samples from individuals undergo- ing low dose CT lung screening for the devel- opment of new drugs, treatments, and testing that could lead to earlier detection of lung cancer. For more information, visit Research. mwhc.com. "We really are on the cutting edge of new technologies for lung cancer diagnosis," Sherwood says. Lung cancer treatment through the Regional Cancer Center takes a team approach, with a thoracic surgeon, radiation oncologist and medical oncologist working together in constant communication to ensure patients receive the most effective treatment. To learn more, visit Cancer.mwhc.com. Lung Cancer screening can benefit current and past smokers

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