Community Events Aim To Spread Lung Cancer Awareness

Despite recommendations, only 16% of people who are eligible undergo lung cancer screening. In an effort to get more people screened, Moffitt Cancer Center has taken screening on the road with the mobile lung cancer screening unit.  

Michelle Smith, Moffitt’s mobile screening program manager, says increasing screening starts with education.  

“While lung cancer screening is a life‑saving priority, we recognize that conversations about lung cancer can feel intimidating,” Smith said. “That’s why our team meets people where they are, both physically and emotionally.” 

To start conversations about lung cancer and eliminate hesitations about screening, Smith and other team members are hosting free educational events with a fun twist. 

Cancer-Fighting Cooking Class 

On Friday, May 1, a cooking class will take place at the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences in Dade City. The class will educate people on cancer‑fighting nutrition, the connection between diet and lung health and the importance of early detection.  

Lary Robinson, MD

According to  Lary Robinson, MD, director of Moffitt’s Lung Cancer Early Detection Center, both exercise and nutrition have been shown in numerous studies to play a significant role in lung cancer prevention.  

“The effects of both a healthy diet and exercise likely involve decreasing and preventing chronic inflammation, improving immune function and promoting other positive metabolic processes,” Robinson said. 

The free event is open to the public and requires pre-registration.  

Lung Health Trivia  

The following day, on Saturday, May 2, Lung Health Trivia will take place at The Cove at Loggerhead Marina in St. Petersburg. Community members are invited to join and learn more about their lungs while sharing a laugh.  

“At community events, we use approachable, engaging formats like trivia and interactive education to spark conversations in a way that feels comfortable and nonthreatening,” Smith said. “These activities help break down fear and stigma, open the door to meaningful dialogue, and allow us to connect with individuals who may not otherwise seek out health screenings.”  

Who Should Get Screened  

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends annual lung cancer screenings with low-dose CT scans for people age 50 and older who have a 20 pack-year smoking history and who currently smoke cigarettes or quit within the past 15 years. A pack-year is equal to smoking one pack per day for one year, or two packs per day for half a year. 

“This year alone, lung cancer will kill more than 125,000 people,” Robinson said. “Our greatest weapon to fight lung cancer is to raise awareness of this disease in high-risk family members or friends and encourage them to be screened.”  

Upcoming Screening Opportunity  

The mobile lung cancer screening unit will be at the Pasco County Department of Health in Dade City on May 8.  

Screening is open to patients considered high risk according to national guidelines and evidence-based practices. Screenings may be available at no cost for individuals without health insurance, ensuring eligible patients have access to life‑saving lung cancer screenings.