Dignity Health North State Urges Early Detection for Lung Cancer Awareness Month, Highlights Innovative ION Robotic Lung Program

REDDING, CA - November 3, 2025 – As November marks Lung Cancer Awareness Month, Dignity Health North State hospitals are urging the community to prioritize early detection and proactive prevention to combat the nation's deadliest cancer. Lung cancer claims more lives annually than colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined, making timely diagnosis absolutely critical for survival.

While California boasts one of the lowest tobacco use rates at around 11%, the North State region faces higher tobacco usage, with about a third of local patients reporting use. This disparity, coupled with an estimated 16,000 new lung cancer diagnoses in California in 2024 (American Cancer Society), underscores the need for advanced screening in our North State area.

A Revolution in Early Detection: The ION Robotic Lung Program

To significantly improve early detection and diagnosis, Mercy Medical Center Redding (MMCR) has implemented the state-of-the-art ION Robotic Lung Program. This specialized service utilizes an advanced ION robotic bronchoscopy device to navigate the lungs with unprecedented precision.

"This innovative device leverages a combination of CT scans and a robotic system, navigating through the mouth, to provide detailed computer imaging of the internal structures,” states Dr. Rafael Lupercio, pulmonologist at Mercy Redding. “This not only empowers us to operate on lung cancer nodules at earlier stages than previously possible but also significantly improves our ability to diagnose 90-95% more nodules."

The ION Robotic Lung Program is primarily available for patients over 50 with a history of tobacco use. However, Dr. Van Mol, Primary Care Physician with Dignity Health Medical Foundation adds that anyone concerned about their lung health, regardless of age or smoking history, should speak with their doctor about potential screening options.

"As primary care physicians, we're often the first point of contact, and it's our responsibility to initiate these potentially life-saving conversations about lung cancer screening," says Dr. Van Mol. "For eligible patients, a simple low-dose CT scan can make a remarkable difference, catching cancer at a stage where it's much more treatable. It's one of the most powerful tools we have to save lives from this challenging disease."

Expanding Comprehensive Cancer Care: Sierra Pacific Regional Cancer Center

Dignity Health is further expanding its commitment to comprehensive cancer care with the groundbreaking Sierra Pacific Regional Cancer Center in Redding. Set to open in 2026, this $70 million, state-of-the-art facility will offer advanced screening technology, cutting-edge treatments, and comprehensive support services, addressing the growing need for centralized cancer care across the North State. Upon completion, the ION Robotic Bronchoscopy device will be moved to the new center, integrating seamlessly into its advanced cancer care services.

Understanding Your Risk and the Power of Early Diagnosis

The grim reality of lung cancer often lies in late diagnosis. 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 highlights the critical importance of proactive screening.

It's also crucial to remember that lung cancer isn't solely a smoker's disease. While smoking accounts for approximately 80% of lung cancer deaths, other significant 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 dangerous misconceptions about the disease.

Take Action for Your Lung Health

Dignity Health North State encourages everyone to understand their risks, be aware of symptoms, and discuss screening options with their healthcare provider. Early detection can save lives.

To learn more about lung cancer awareness, the ION Robotic Lung Program, or screening and treatment options available at Dignity Health, please visit: https://www.dignityhealth.org/dhmf/services/cancer/lung-cancer

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About Dignity Health California 

Dignity Health California is a nonprofit network of over 9000 physicians, more than 35,000 employees, 29 acute care hospitals, and 200-plus care-centers, including community hospitals, urgent care, surgery and imaging centers, home health, and primary care clinics. Dignity Health California provides award-winning care to communities in five primary markets across the state: North State, Sacramento, Central Valley, Central Coast, and Southern California. 

Dignity Health is a member of CommonSpirit Health, one of the nation’s largest nonprofit Catholic healthcare organizations, dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality, and affordable patient-centered care with special attention to the poor and underserved. Learn more at DignityHealth.org and CommonSpirit.org.