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Dr.’s Howard Silverboard, Lijo Simpson, Nancy Wiggers, and John Gouldman talk lung cancer.

Lung Cancer

Northside Cancer Institute Physicians Discuss Lung Cancer Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States.  Additionally, the lung cancer patient population in Georgia experiences a higher-than-average mortality rate than the rest of the country.  It’s a serious concern.  Because we live in a heavily-rural region within the heart of the tobacco belt our community has many cigarette smokers.  On top of that the Southeast region of the country, including much of Georgia, has very high levels of Radon gas present in the soil.  When individuals are exposed to higher levels of Radon gas their risk of lung cancer is significantly increased, particularly when they are smokers or exposed to second-hand smoke.

On today’s show, made possible by a collaboration with Northside Cancer Institute, we talk with some of Atlanta’s premier physicians from Northside Cancer Institute who are tasked with diagnosing and treating lung cancer.  The discuss measures to prevent or reduce risk for developing lung cancer, who should consider screening for the disease, how it’s diagnosed and staged, and treatment measures for lung cancer once it’s discovered.

Northside’s cancer program was selected to be one of fewer than 30 hospitals that comprise the National Community Cancer Center (NCCCP) in recognition of the program’s excellence in cancer care and leadership in the community.  Over the last two years, Northside has taken great strides to utilize the opportunities that come with being a part of the NCCCP and has expanded its regional position as one of the largest and most respected providers of comprehensive cancer services.  Another example of the level of cancer expertise Northside offers its patients is reflected in the recent partnership initiated between Northside Cancer Institute and Georgia Cancer Specialists and Atlanta Cancer Care.  These two cancer groups comprise the largest collection of cancer specialists in the community and offers access to some of the regions most respected cancer physicians. 

Special Guests:

Howard Silverboard, MD of Pulmonary and Critical Care of Atlanta 

• Doctorate of Medicine, University of Alabama, Birmingham
• Residency, Emory Hospital, Emory University School of Medicine
• Fellowship, Pulmonology & Critical Care, Emory University School of Medicine
• Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Medicine, and Critical Care
• Medical Director, Thoracic Oncology Dept., Northside Hospital

Lijo Simpson, MD of Atlanta Cancer Care 

• Doctorate of Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences
• Residency, Internal Medicine, Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center
• Fellowship, Hematology/Oncology, Mayo Clinic
• Author of multiple published studies
• Frequent presenter, American Society of Clinical Oncology

Nancy Wiggers, MD of Northside Hospital Radiation Oncology Care     

• MD, Medical College of Georgia
• Residency, Medical College of Georgia
• Board Certified, Radiation Oncology
• Co-Author, “Portal Design in Radiation Therapy”

John Gouldman, MD of Atlanta Cardiac & Thoracic Surgical Associates 

• Doctorate of Medicine, Medical College of Georgia
• Fellowship, Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Louisville
• Board Certified in Cardiothoracic Surgery
• Recipient, Dean’s Research Fellowship Award
• Only surgeon in Georgia performing Nuss Pectus Repair in young adults