EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (November 17, 2017) — Despite lung cancer causing the most fatalities of any cancer in the United States, funding for lung cancer research has not drastically improved for many years. The American Lung Association drove home this message and other insights during the Lung Force Expo at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on November 8, 2017.
“It’s important to spread the word about screening high risk patients for lung cancer because if it’s diagnosed early, there is a chance for a cure,” said Dr. Terrance Healey, who is the chair of the planning committee for the expo, a physician at Rhode Island Medical Imaging (RIMI), and an assistant professor of diagnostic imaging at Brown University. “By collaborating with the American Lung Association on this event and others, RIMI aims to use this opportunity to educate the public on early screening and increase the length of time patients can ultimately live after their diagnosis of lung cancer.”
Healthcare professionals and patients attended panel discussions and information booths to learn more about the latest treatments, resources and research to improve the quality of life for people living with lung cancer. The event was also intended to convey the need for more lung cancer research funding, which receives less federal dollars per life lost than other cancers such as breast, prostate, and colon cancer when combined, according the National Cancer Institute.
Representatives from various agencies and organizations were on hand with information on prevention and protecting against lung cancer at designated booths from the Rhode Island Department of Health, Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island, Tobacco free Rhode Island, Hope Health and many others.
Connie Kile, an event organizer, said the expo was well received, and she commended RIMI’s efforts in joining the American Lung Association in raising awareness around the issue.
“The partnership with RIMI has been invaluable for Lung Force and their involvement in the expo has had an incredible impact on what we do,” Kile said. “We’ve done a great job with Dr. Healey, who has helped us quite a bit as chair of our committee for the expo, and he has been instrumental in building topics that are relevant within the cancer and lung disease community.”
Kile looked forward to working with RIMI in the years ahead.
About Rhode Island Medical Imaging
Established in 1943, Rhode Island Medical Imaging (RIMI) maintains the highest standards of practice in medical diagnostic imaging. Their network of private facilities is staffed by board certified radiologists with broad based experience and subspecialty training in all areas of diagnostic imaging. RIMI radiologists also perform and interpret the full spectrum of imaging examinations at Rhode Island Hospital, Women & Infants Hospital, Miriam Hospital, and Hasbro Children’s Hospital. Those activities are complemented by their academic commitment to The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. RIMI’s goal is to provide every physician and patient with the highest quality in contemporary diagnostic imaging. For more information about Rhode Island Medical Imaging, visit www.rimirad.com.
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