Augusta University hosts White Ribbon Fall Fest
AUGUSTA, Ga (WFXG) - November is nationally designated as Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Georgia's Cancer Center is partnering with the Medical College of Georgia's Student Oncology Interest Group and the Concerned National Black Nurses of the CSRA to sponsor the White Ribbon Fall Fest
Its aim is to educate the community about lung cancer, as well as celebrate lung cancer survivors and honor those who did not survive their fight against lung cancer.
On Wednesday, Augusta University hosted its annual White Ribbon Fall Fest. Information and resources about lung cancer risk, prevention strategies, and treatment options were available at the event.
Reverend David Mathews is a 10-year lung cancer survivor. He says his story began in 2009, when he started to develop a cough.
"The cough lasted until it was fully diagnosed in 2010 by February it was diagnosed at stage 3-- no-small cell cancer," says Reverend David Mathews
Dr. Dan Miller Augusta University Thoracic Surgery Chief and Lung Cancer Screening Program Director explains the causes of lung cancer.
"The problem with the lungs is that it has no nerve endings. So, once you have symptoms, unfortunately... a lot of the time nothing can be done," says Dr. Dan Miller.
Georgia Cancer Center, MCG Oncology Interest Group, and Concerned Black Nurses of the CSRA were all present at the event, handing out valuable information to those who were present. The overall goal of the event was to spread awareness and advocate for those who survived lung cancer and who are currently battling lung cancer.
"I think it's important to educate people that there are other ways...it's not just for smokers. By spreading that message that's the only way we are going to put that information available to other people. So, that they can advocate for their own health." Says Niva Matcha.
Reverend David Mathews tells FOX54 that he is grateful for life.
The Georgia Cancer Center is encouraging local community members to get their annual health screenings.
Copyright 2022 WFXG. All rights reserved.
