Healthy Lungs, Healthier Life: Dignity Health Emphasizes Lung Screenings this November

SANTA MARIA, CA, November 12, 2025 – As November marks Lung Cancer Awareness Month, Dignity Health Marian Regional Medical Center and Mission Hope Cancer Center is calling on its community to understand their risks, recognize the symptoms, and take proactive steps towards lung cancer prevention and early detection. Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death among both men and women, and Dignity Health is committed to empowering communities with vital information and access to advanced care.

Lung cancer accounts for more deaths than colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined. While California often leads in health initiatives, lung screening rates are lower than in most other states. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), an estimated 16,000 new cases of lung cancer were diagnosed in California in 2024. Despite its prevalence, lung cancer is typically diagnosed at advanced stages when it is hardest to treat. Early detection is critically important for the best chance of survival.

"Lung Cancer Awareness Month is a crucial time to spotlight the advances we have made in early detection and improved treatments for lung cancer," said Alexis Paulson, NP, Lung Screening Program Coordinator at Mission Hope Cancer Center in Santa Maria. "While smoking is the primary risk factor for lung cancer, it's important to remember that anyone can get lung cancer. We are dedicated to educating everyone about how to prevent lung cancer and how to get screened if you are at higher risk."

Key Facts and Figures Underscore the Importance of Awareness:

Survival Rates Depend on Early Detection: The National Cancer Institute (NCI) highlights that the 5-year survival rate for lung cancer is significantly higher when caught at an early, localized stage (around 63%) compared to when it has spread (7%). This stark difference underscores the critical importance of early detection.

Beyond Smoking: Other Significant Risk Factors: While smoking accounts for approximately 80% of lung cancer deaths (ACS), other risk factors include exposure to secondhand smoke, radon gas, asbestos, certain chemicals, air pollution, and a family history of lung cancer. These factors mean that even non-smokers are at risk, challenging common misconceptions about the disease.

Dignity Health provides comprehensive lung cancer services across its California facilities, including:

Advanced Screening Programs: Utilizing state-of-the-art low-dose CT (LDCT) scans for eligible high-risk individuals, guided by national recommendations and covered in-full as a preventative service by Medicare and most private insurers.
Expert Diagnosis and Staging: Employing cutting-edge imaging and biopsy techniques for accurate and timely diagnosis.
Multidisciplinary Treatment Plans: Collaborating with oncologists, pulmonologists, radiologists, surgeons, and supportive care specialists to create personalized treatment plans, which may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
Support Services: Offering patient navigators, support groups, and palliative care to address the holistic needs of patients and their families throughout their journey.
Community Education: Hosting educational events and providing accessible resources to raise awareness about lung cancer prevention and early detection strategies.

Dignity Health encourages all Californians to take the following proactive steps:

Understand Your Risk: Ask your doctor if you are a candidate for lung screening (age 50-80 with a significant tobacco smoking history) and if there are other ways to reduce your risk.
Consider Screening: If you meet the criteria for screening, discuss the benefits of LDCT with your healthcare provider.
Recognize the Symptoms: Be aware of common lung cancer symptoms, which may include a persistent cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue.
Quit Smoking: If you smoke, seek support and resources to quit. Dignity Health offers programs and referrals to assist in cessation.
Minimize Environmental Exposures: Take measures to protect yourself from secondhand smoke, radon, and other environmental carcinogens.

"Prevention is the best medicine, but early detection with lung screening also saves lives," emphasized Paulson. "We urge everyone to be proactive with their lung health, quit or reduce smoking, engage in conversations with their doctors, and to take advantage of the advanced care and resources Dignity Health offers in our area."

To learn more about lung cancer awareness, screening, and treatment options available at Dignity Health, visit Dignityhealth.org/LungScreen or to schedule a media interview please reach out to [email protected].

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About Mission Hope Cancer Center Santa Maria

Mission Hope Cancer Center, Santa Maria is accredited as a Comprehensive Community Cancer Center by the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer. This award recognition is the highest designation awarded to community cancer centers for exceptional performance. As the first integrated oncology facility on the Central Coast, Mission Hope Cancer Center features advanced technology and expert health care professionals from the nation’s top medical training programs. This state-of-the-art facility unites Santa Maria oncology treatment, imaging, research, education and outreach services at one location. MissionHopeCancerCenter.com

About Dignity Health Central Coast Dignity Health Central Coast is comprised of 7 award-winning hospitals, Arroyo Grande Community Hospital in Arroyo Grande, Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz, French Hospital Medical Center in San Luis Obispo, Marian Regional Medical Center in Santa Maria, Sequoia Hospital in Redwood City, St. John’s Regional Medical Center in Oxnard and St. John’s Hospital Camarillo, all recognized for their quality of care, safety and service, primary care offices, premier ambulatory surgery centers, technologically advanced imaging centers, outpatient services, and comprehensive home health services. Visit dignityhealth.org/centralcoast.