November 3, 2025 – As November marks Lung Cancer Awareness Month, Dignity Health - St. Bernardine Medical Center (SBMC) is urging its community to prioritize lung health through proactive steps and early detection. Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death among both men and women. SBMC is empowering our neighbors with vital information and access to advanced, hospital-based care. Lung cancer accounts for more deaths than colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined. In California, an estimated 16,000 new cases were diagnosed in 2024 (American Cancer Society - ACS). Often diagnosed at advanced stages, early detection through effective screening is critically important for improving outcomes. "Lung Cancer Awareness Month is a crucial time to spotlight this devastating disease and emphasize the life-saving power of early detection," said Dr. Sameh Hanna, MD, lung and respiratory specialist at SBMC. "While smoking is the primary risk factor, it's essential to remember that anyone can get lung cancer. We are committed to educating the public about all risks and ensuring our community has access to advanced screening and treatment options." SBMC provides personalized lung cancer services in the Inland Empire, integrating specialty care with a deep commitment to humankindness and clinical excellence, including state-of-the-art low-dose CT (LDCT) scans for eligible high-risk individuals to detect abnormalities early, in addition to advanced imaging and biopsy techniques like robotic-assisted bronchoscopy that lead to accurate, timely diagnoses, and multidisciplinary teams with oncologists, pulmonologists, radiologists, and surgeons. Californians can take proactive steps toward a healthier life, such as understanding your risk by discussing your personal and family history with your primary care physician, considering screening, especially if you meet criteria for high-risk screening, and recognizing symptoms like a persistent cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue. "Early detection dramatically improves outcomes for lung cancer patients," emphasized Dr. Hanna. "We urge everyone between ages 50-80 who have risk factors to be proactive with their lung health, engage in conversations with their doctor, and take advantage of the community education and hospital-based resources SBMC offers.”
Visit dignityhealth.org/socal/cancer to learn more about lung cancer, screening, and treatments.
About Dignity Health - St. Bernardine Medical Center
Founded as a faith-based hospital in 1931 by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, Dignity Health – St. Bernardine Medical Center (SBMC) is a 342-bed, acute care, nonprofit hospital located in San Bernardino, California. The hospital offers a full complement of services and it shares a legacy of humankindness with Dignity Health, one of the largest health care systems. SBMC has been recognized by American Stroke Association - “Get With the Guidelines” Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award, one of Healthgrades America's 100 Best Hospitals for Prostate Surgery and for Spine Surgery, named a Center of Excellence for Robotic Surgery by the Surgical Review Corporation, and earned Blue Distinction for Surgery, Cardiac Care, and Maternity Care from Blue Cross/Blue Shield. Visit dignityhealth.org/stbernardine for more information.
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