St. Vincent's Hospital-Manhattan has taken the lead in combating life-threatening diseases. Among St. Vincent's acclaimed programs is the Comprehensive Cancer Center. And St. Vincent's is proud to have distinguished oncologist and surgeon Paul F. Waters on board. He is chief of thoracic surgery and an authority on lung cancer.

"Lung Cancer is a serious disease, especially feared by smokers," Dr. Waters says. "With good reason; smoking is the cause of over 70% of lung cancer cases. At St. Vincent's, we actively promote smoking cessation and cancer prevention. But for people who get lung cancer, there are many more options available today than ever before."

Dr. Waters is an expert in diagnostic surgery to determine the type and extent of lung cancer. "The exploratory techniques we use now are minimally invasive," he says. "We make one-inch incisions instead of spreading and bruising the ribs."

If it is determined that the cancer has not spread beyond the lungs, Dr. Waters performs surgery to remove the tumors. "Most doctors agree that surgery is the No. 1 choice to eradicate tumors, though advancements in radiation and chemotherapy have also emerged in recent years," he notes. "All in all, we have come a long way. Notions of 'operable' and 'inoperable' cancers have changed. We are saving more lives today."

What You Should Know about Lung Cancer
Lung Cancer is the country's leading cause of cancer deaths, killing 150,000 Americans every year. "Yet it is largely preventable," says Dr. Paul W. Waters of St. Vincent's Hospital-Manhattan.

Who is at risk?

• Cigarette, cigar and pope smokers and ex-smokers.
• People exposed to second-hand smoke, asbestos, radon, other airborne toxins.
• Individuals with a family history of lung cancer.

What are the symptoms?

• Cough that does not go away.
• Coughing up or spitting up blood.
• Swelling of the face and neck.
• Frequent chest pain, shortness of breath, wheezing, hoarseness.
• Repeated bouts of bronchitis or pneumonia.
• Fatigue and/or fever.
• Diminished appetite and weight loss.

How can I prevent lung cancer?

• Quit smoking. Visit www.quitsmoking.com for ideas and support. Register for the American Lung Association's free online program at www.ffsonline.org.
• Insist on a smoke-free home and workplace.
• Test your home for radon if it's a known problem in your area.
• If you are at risk, get a chest x-ray and/or CT scan regularly.

Call Dr. Waters or the Lung Cancer Program at 1-888-44-CANCER for more information. To learn more about St. Vincent's Manhattan, visit www.svcmc.org/manhattan.

Reprinted from the New York Daily News, February 24, 2004