UW Health Swedish American is preparing to host a Shine a Light on Lung Cancer event this November. Their goal is twofold: to honor lung cancer patients and caregivers and to provide education for their staff caring for lung cancer patients.

“Being a part of a nationally recognized and coordinated lung cancer awareness event is important,” said Carly Schutte, a lung cancer nurse navigator at the cancer center. “And promoting the importance of lung cancer screening and smoking cessation in our community while honoring our lung cancer patients and their caregivers helps to develop relationships with patients and anticipate their varied needs.”

Shining a light on lung cancer.

Shine a Light on Lung Cancer is the largest coordinated lung cancer awareness program in the U.S. Hosted by healthcare facilities during Lung Cancer Awareness Month, Shine a Light on Lung Cancer educates, connects, and celebrates lung cancer communities while raising awareness about the disease. In 2020, the program connected 10,000 people affected by the disease in 141 healthcare facilities spanning all 50 states.

UW Health Swedish American, a GO2 for Lung Cancer Screening Center of Excellence and one of a handful of facilities in the U.S. holding the Joint Commission Gold Standard Disease Specific Certification in Lung Cancer, has hosted an annual Shine a Light event since 2014. Hosting the event during a pandemic only highlights the importance of community.

“We aim to offer hope, inspiration, and support as we come together in this uncertain time,” said Schutte. “The staff and providers at the RCC have worked very hard to provide a safe and caring environment for patients to continue or establish their lung cancer care. “

Shine a Light on Lung Cancer 2021 is coming soon. From patient testimonials to Time to SHINE, learn more about how your healthcare facility can participate. Are you a patient or caregiver interested in attending an event? Find one near you!