Dr. Doug Adams is a cardiothoracic surgeon with Owensboro Health’s One Health medical group. As a part of the health system’s cardiothoracic surgery practice, Dr. Adams sees firsthand the consequences of smoking, including cases of lung cancer.
Dr. Adams was asked a few questions about the importance of the Smokeout. We’re happy to share with you his responses:
Q: Why do you support the Great American Smokeout?
A: Lung cancer is the No. 1 cancer killer in Kentucky. The vast majority of patients with lung cancer are smokers.
Q: Why should people quit smoking?
A: Smoking is a multi-system insult to the body. The most obvious and intuitive part is lung damage, because you’re inhaling multiple carcinogens (cancer-causing substances) and damaging toxins. It also has effects on heart, blood vessels, brain, the senses of smell and taste. There’s just nothing healthy about it.
Q: What makes the Smokeout a great event?
A: It highlights the importance of smoking cessation and it gives people a starting point. It’s a place where they can say, ‘Today’s the day I quit.’ There’s also access to resources that can help with battling that addiction.
Q: Are you seeing that events like the Smokeout are helping make a difference?
A: Absolutely. Smoking cessation and improving the rates of lung cancer screening are all happening because people are learning about the importance of quitting smoking. Smoking cessation is a huge part of awareness, treatment and prevention, and Owensboro Health offers the most well-developed early detection to therapy path throughout the region.
Q: What can people do if they want to learn more about the Smokeout?
A: More information about the Smokeout can be found on the website of the American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org. If you’re looking for help locally to quit smoking, Owensboro Health has trained professionals who want to help you be successful. You can contact Wellness Supervisor Angi (pronounced like Angie) Wahl at 270-688-4823 to find out how we can help you quit.
Dr. Doug Adams is a cardiothoracic surgeon with Owensboro Health’s One Health medical group.
