COMMUNITY CANCER RESEARCH FOUNDATION PRESENTS FREE ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM

“Every Breath You Take: A Lung Cancer Prevention Symposium” is the title of the free, annual symposium being offered to the public from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 13 at Community Hospital Fitness Pointe, 9950 Calumet Ave. in Munster.

Sponsored by The Community Cancer Research Foundation, this year’s program features presentations on lung cancer prevention by distinguished professionals in the field. Community Healthcare System Cardiothoracic/Cardiovascular Surgeon Jason M. Frazier, MD, Indiana Department of Health Clinical Nurse Educator Sue Henry, BSN, RN, and Community Hospital Munster Respiratory Therapist Robert Erickson, RRT, RPFT, will lead this year’s forum with topics related to advances in lung cancer screening and the latest treatments.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States, according to the National Cancer Institute. If detected early, lung cancers can be treated successfully.

Dr. Frazier will discuss “Lung Cancer Prevention.” A less invasive screening for lung cancer has been made available, called a low-dose computed tomography (also called a low-dose CT scan, or LDCT). In this test, an x-ray machine scans the body and uses low doses of radiation to make detailed pictures of the lungs. Dr. Frazier’s presentation will address the types of lung cancer and the importance of screening before symptoms develop, screening guidelines and recommendations.

Dr. Frazier is board certified in cardiothoracic/cardiovascular surgery and is affiliated with Community Hospital, Munster, Ind.; St Catherine Hospital, East Chicago, Ind. and St Mary Medical Center, Hobart, Ind. He received his medical degree from Howard University College of Medicine. He completed his fellowship in thoracic surgery, as well as his internship and residency at Loyola University Medical Center.

Respiratory Therapist Robert Erickson, RRT, RPFT, is a registered respiratory care practitioner, pulmonary function technologist and respiratory therapy educator with more than 45 years of experience. He is a steadfast advocate for preventive healthcare and smoking cessation.

Nurse Sue Henry, BSN, RN, is a Lead and Healthy Homes health educator for the Indiana State Department of Health. She has more than 35 years of experience in acute care, utilization review, program development and management, and advocacy for health literacy and education.

The Annual Cancer Symposium is sponsored by the Community Cancer Research Foundation, Inc. working toward the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the program begins at 6 p.m. There will be a short intermission between speakers and a reception with refreshments to follow. The symposium is free, but registration is necessary in advance by calling 219-836-3477 or toll-free 866-836-3477.