Moffitt’s doctor studies increase in lung cancer cases



[ad_1]

TAMPA, Fla .– Actress Kathy Griffin’s recent announcement that she has been diagnosed with lung cancer surprised a lot of people, especially because she says she has never smoked.

And she is not alone.

A surgeon at the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa is currently studying an increase in the number of lung cancer patients who have never lit up.


What would you like to know

  • Actress Kathy Griffin, 60, says she was diagnosed with lung cancer when she was a non-smoker
  • The Moffitt Cancer Center is currently conducting a study on the increase in lung cancer cases in non-smokers
  • Dr Lary Robinson, who leads the study, says he sees a new lung cancer patient every two weeks

Dr Lary Robinson sees this firsthand, especially in women.

“It has become evident over the years that there are a growing number of women and men who have never smoked and who have lung cancer,” he told Spectrum News. “I see them all the time. In fact, I’ll probably see one every two weeks.

Robinson has just started an observational study to try to find out more. He will work with lung cancer patients in Moffitt to find out why cases among non-smokers are on the rise.

He said one of the reasons seems to be the American diet and high amounts of saturated fat, among other lifestyle factors.

“Diet is a big deal,” said Dr Robinson. “Diet is a huge problem with a lot of cancers and its increased risk because it is part of the way of life. It’s probably not a genetic change we’ve seen. It’s a lifestyle change that we’ve seen in everything.

Robinson says 235,000 Americans will be diagnosed with lung cancer this year – 116,000 will be women.

He says that in most cases it’s very difficult to detect, especially because non-smokers usually go undetected until the cancer has reached an advanced stage.

“It’s a shame that this is happening,” said Dr Robinson. “It was rare 20-30 years ago.”

In Griffin’s case, her cancer was detected at stage 1, she says publication on social networks. She had part of her left lung removed and is now recovering.

“She’s one of those who found it early and has a good chance of being cured, which is good for her.” Unfortunately, most don’t have the disease at an early stage when it’s detected, ”said Robinson.

Dr Robinson hopes his study will begin to provide more answers to lung cancer patients around the world.



[ad_2]

Source link