Newswise — (New York – November 6, 2014) – Lung cancer accounts for more annual deaths than colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined. It is the number one cancer killer of women. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2014, approximately 224,110 new cases of lung cancer will be diagnosed in the United States, and over 155,000 will die from this disease. Mount Sinai research has shown that early CT screening for leads to early diagnosis and treatment which saves lives. Men and women with an increased risk of lung cancer – ages 55 or older, former and current smokers – should get screened annually. November is lung cancer awareness month, and the following experts are available to report on emerging trends in the field. Experts Available for Interview (English and Spanish speakers):• Raja Flores, MD, Chief, Division of Thoracic Surgery • Claudia Henschke, PhD, MD, Director, Lung Screening Program • Charles Powell, MD, Chief, Division of Pulmonary Medicine • Kenneth Rosenzweig, MD, Chairman, Department of Radiation Oncology• David Yankelevitz, MD, Director, Lung Biopsy Service • Jorge Gomez, Medical Director, Thoracic Oncology Program *Patients are also available for interviews.Community AwarenessThe Tisch Cancer Institute at Mount Sinai is partnering with the American Lung Association as part of their "Lung Force” Turquoise Takeover Day campaign to unite in the fight against lung cancer. Mount Sinai clinicians will be out in force to educated and empower community on November 21, Guggenheim Pavilion (1468 Madison Avenue, New York) from 11 am – 3 pm to provide life-saving information, giveaways, snacks and prizes for the best display of turquoise. Mount Sinai employees are encouraged to wear the color turquoise on this day in awareness of this disease. Attendees may also sign up for the upcoming Lung Force Walk in May 2015 by joining Mount Sinai team led by Dr. Jorge Gomez. Risk Factors of Lung Cancer• Smoking. Your risk of lung cancer increases with the number of cigarettes you smoke each day and the number of years you have smoked. Quitting at any age can significantly lower your risk of developing lung cancer.• Exposure to secondhand smoke. Even if you don't smoke, your risk of lung cancer increases if you're exposed to secondhand smoke.• Exposure to radon gas. Radon is produced by the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water that eventually becomes part of the air you breathe. Unsafe levels of radon can accumulate in any building, including homes.• Exposure to asbestos and other chemicals. Workplace exposure to asbestos and other substances known to cause cancer — such as arsenic, chromium and nickel — also can increase your risk of developing lung cancer, especially if you're a smoker.• Family history of lung cancer. People with a parent, sibling or child with lung cancer have an increased risk of the disease. Lung Cancer Symptoms • A new cough that doesn't go away• Changes in a chronic cough or "smoker's cough"• Coughing up blood, even a small amount• Shortness of breath• Chest pain• Wheezing• Hoarseness• Losing weight without trying• Bone pain• Headache About the Lung Cancer Program at Mount SinaiThe Lung Cancer Program, part of The Tisch Cancer Institute within the Mount Sinai Health System, offers state-of-the-art diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and management of lung cancer, other tumors of the chest (thoracic), and complex cases, including mesothelioma. A recognized leader for its groundbreaking developments with annual CT scans, Mount Sinai's Lung Screening Program and protocols now serve as a model nationally and internationally. For more information, visit http://www.mountsinai.org/lung-cancer/why-choose-mount-sinai..About the Mount Sinai Health SystemThe Mount Sinai Health System is an integrated health system committed to providing distinguished care, conducting transformative research, and advancing biomedical education. Structured around seven member hospital campuses and a single medical school, the Health System has an extensive ambulatory network and a range of inpatient and outpatient services—from community-based facilities to tertiary and quaternary care.

The System includes approximately 6,600 primary and specialty care physicians, 12-minority-owned free-standing ambulatory surgery centers, over 45 ambulatory practices throughout the five boroughs of New York City, Westchester, and Long Island, as well as 31 affiliated community health centers. Physicians are affiliated with the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, which is ranked among the top 20 medical schools both in National Institutes of Health funding and by U.S. News & World Report.For more information, visit http://www.mountsinai.org, or find Mount Sinai on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.