Fall 2025 7 When it comes to lung cancer, there are steps you can take to reduce your chances of developing the disease or to catch any potential problems early. If you smoke, quit. You already know smoking causes lung cancer. But did you also know it’s never too late to quit? Over time, your risk of developing lung cancer can drop to about half that of a current smoker. Test your home for radon. This naturally occurring gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Hardware stores sell DIY radon test kits. Get screened. If you’re between the ages of 50 and 80 and you smoke or have quit within the past 15 years, a yearly low-dose CT scan may be recommended. This test can catch lung cancer early, when it’s most treatable. “One of our goals at Texas Health Huguley Hospital is to help the community become more aware of lung cancer screenings,” says Lung Nurse Navigator Julissa Escamilla, RN. “It’s as easy as getting a mammogram.” If a screening turns up something abnormal, like a suspicious lung nodule, Julissa will be there to guide you through the next steps, such as follow-up tests to monitor the nodule over time. Most lung nodules aren’t cancerous. But if a biopsy is needed Guard against lung cancer with these key steps to be sure, patients at Texas Health Huguley have access to advanced ion robotic bronchoscopy. (See the section below on this page.) And remember: You are not powerless to protect yourself. From quitting smoking to getting a lung screening, there are things you can do to lower your risk. “Awareness is the one thing I can’t stress enough,” Julissa says. A closer look at ion robotic bronchoscopy Ion robotic bronchoscopy is a high-tech procedure that uses CT mapping and a flexible catheter to reach nodules deep within the lungs better than traditional techniques and tools. It’s more precise and less likely to cause complications. “Now we can track down those nodules that may be early lung cancers,” says Pulmonologist Jason Seiden, MD. “So we can biopsy them early and make the diagnosis early.” Schedule a lung scan Talk to your doctor or call Julissa Escamilla at 817.568.5318.
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