On October 29, the South Florida healthcare community gathered at Memorial Hospital West to preview new advancements in lung cancer diagnostics and treatment. The Memorial Cancer Institute staff conducted hands-on tours of the Thoracic Oncology Mobile Experience by Intuitive, which features advanced robotics and technology housed on a semi-trailer truck.
Earlier this year, Memorial Healthcare System expanded its robotic surgery program with the deployment of seven Intuitive da Vinci Xi surgical systems across five hospitals. These minimally invasive surgeries offer benefits such as reduced pain and faster recovery times.
To share these developments with the community, lung cancer patients, and caregivers, Memorial Cancer Institute and the American Lung Association recorded a behind-the-scenes look at the new technology. This exclusive tour is available online.
“Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. But there is hope. Research has fueled advancements in detection and treatment in the past decade, increasing the survival rate by 44 percent,” said Mark Block, MD, vice chair of the Lung Association’s South Florida Leadership Board and chief of Thoracic Surgery at Memorial Healthcare System. “The new technology we’ve debuted will have an impact in the lives of people with lung cancer: more accurate results, earlier detection and minimally invasive procedures.”
The unveiling served as an unofficial start to Lung Cancer Awareness Month beginning November 1. The Lung Association aims to raise awareness about lung cancer, promote lifesaving screenings, and gather funds for critical research. The annual State of Lung Cancer report will be released on November 19 to highlight lung cancer's impact both in Florida and nationwide.
For those looking to get involved with the American Lung Association's mission, the Fight For Air Climb Miami event will take place on March 9 at loanDepot park. More information and registration details are available at ClimbMiami.org.
