Take Charge of Your Health
Black Men's Health Series
You always take care of others, but we want to ensure you are taking care of yourself too. Making time for your own health during the pandemic may have been challenging, but now is the time to get back on track. Join us for a virtual series aimed at improving Black men's health. Learn how simple steps and preventive screenings can help save your life - or the life of a man you care about.
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States, killing nearly 160,000 people each year. Black men are disproportionately affected by lung cancer - at least 30% higher than among white men - despite having similar smoking rates. Others at a higher risk of developing lung cancer are people 50 to 80 years old who have a 20-pack year smoking history and either currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years.
Breathe Easier: Virtual Education Event
Dr. Yerkes addresses:
- Lung cancer/lung disease
- Impact on your body, life, family and friends
- Prevention strategies and lung screening options
- Steps you can take to keep yourself healthy
Fast Facts about Lung Cancer
Black men have the highest rates of lung cancer in the U.S. Lung cancers are mostly caused by smoking.
When you smoke around your family, everyone is impacted.
The smoke from your cigarettes, or secondhand smoke, can cause lung cancer and other health problems in people who have never smoked, even kids.
There's no safe way to smoke. Menthol cigarettes and vaping products are just as dangerous as nicotine-based cigarettes.
Your risk for lung cancer goes down when you quit – no matter how old you are or how long you've smoked.
It's never too late to quit. Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I prevent lung cancer?
The number one thing you can do to prevent lung cancer is to not smoke! There are many resources available for smoking cessation at tobaccofreeqc.org.
Why Get Screened for Lung Cancer?
UnityPoint Health Trinity recommends low dose CT (LDCT) lung screening for those who are at high risk of lung cancer. Lung cancer may be cured if discovered early- before symptoms appear. Those are a high-risk for lung cancer should talk to their provider about screening options. Studies show LDCT lung screening lowers your risk of dying from lung cancer by 20% in people who are high risk.
How Do I Request a screening?
A LDCT lung cancer screening requires a referral from your primary care provider. The screening is quick, easy and completely painless. There is a minimal amount of radiation exposure.
Contact our lung cancer nurse navigator at (309) 779-5059 to assist with getting a referral or finding a primary care provider.
Resources
Find a Primary Care Provider
The UnityPoint Clinic scheduling team can connect you with talented and dedicated primary care providers. Call (309) 779-7979.
Need Insurance Help?
The UnityPoint Health Patient Financial Coordinator/Certified Application Counselor (PFC/CAC) Team are dedicated to assisting our uninsured and underinsured patients to exhaust all potential health insurance options. Call (309) 779-2910.
Tobacco Free QC
Tools for reducing the impact of tobacco in the Quad Cities community. The TFQC is a resource for information on tobacco, secondhand smoke, tobacco-free polices, smoke-free pledges and quitting tobacco use.