FirstHealth invites the community to take flight on Nov. 8 for the inaugural Wings of Hope Walk & Run.
Taking place during Lung Cancer Awareness Month and on Lung Cancer Screening Day, the race will serve as a powerful reminder of how lung cancer impacts everyone in the community.
Hosted by FirstHealth Fitness in Pinehurst, the race will take place on the greenway trails behind the fitness center and is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. The event is a family-friendly run or walk for runners, walkers, cancer survivors, and caregivers.
Proceeds from the race will benefit the Foundation of FirstHealth’s Cancer CARE Fund.
Walkers and runners are encouraged to come dressed to support the cause – wear your favorite butterfly colors, wings, or other gear.
Local food trucks will be on site during the race, and there will be family-friendly activities before and during the race.
The FirstHealth Lung Bus will also be on site to provide free lung cancer screenings. Patients must qualify for the screening.
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States — claiming more lives than colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined. But despite its deadly toll, lung cancer remains one of the most under-discussed when it comes to regular screening.
Lung cancer screening is surprisingly simple, painless, and effective. Eligible patients—generally adults aged 50 to 80 with a history of heavy smoking—undergo a low-dose CT scan that takes less than 10 minutes. The scan can help to detect small pulmonary nodules before they cause symptoms.
Nationally, the lung cancer survival rate has improved by 26% in the last five years due to increased awareness and advancements in detection and treatment.
Why Screen for Lung Cancer?
· Only 320 scans needed to save one life
· 75% of lung cancers are found too late without screening
· About 90% of stage 1 cancers are completely treatable, so early screening is essential
Who Qualifies for a Lung Cancer Screening?
· Adults ages 50–80
· 20+ pack-year smoking history
· Current smokers or those who quit within the past 15 year
Contributed by FirstHealth.
