Frederick Health to Connect Community with Experts at Fourth Annual Lung Cancer Awareness Event

Frederick Health is hosting its fourth annual Lung Cancer Awareness Event on Wednesday, November 11, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the James M Stockman Cancer Institute, connecting community members with medical experts to learn about lung cancer prevention, early detection, and screening. Eligible attendees will have the opportunity to schedule a lung cancer screening during the event.

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, making early detection critical to improving survival. While the five-year survival rate for lung cancer detected at an early stage is approximately 64%, it drops to just 9% when the disease is diagnosed at a late stage, according to the American Cancer Society.

In Frederick County, radon exposure adds to the concern. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers, and the county's designation as a high-radon zone underscores the importance of awareness and screening.

In addition to hosting awareness events, Frederick Health is advancing early detection through innovative technology and a multidisciplinary approach to lung cancer care. Nearly 40% of lung cancers diagnosed at Frederick Health are detected at Stage 1, surpassing the national average of 28% according to the American Lung Association's State of Lung Cancer Report. Using the ION robotic lung biopsy system, physicians can precisely sample lung nodules as small as a grape. Newly implemented 3D fluoroscopy technology further improves biopsy accuracy, allowing physicians to evaluate suspicious spots as small as an apple seed.

As a result of these efforts, in summer 2025, Frederick Health was named a Center of Excellence for both Lung Cancer Care and Pulmonary Nodules. Frederick Health is also one of Maryland's select case observation sites for robotic lung biopsy technology, welcoming surgeons from leading academic institutions to observe and train.

Through community education, accessible screening opportunities, and advanced diagnostic capabilities, Frederick Health continues to work toward earlier diagnoses, better outcomes, and exceptional lung cancer care.