While early detection is key to surviving nearly every type of cancer, it’s especially important for lung cancer patients that are mostly symptom-free until the disease has already progressed. That’s why a program that uses artificial intelligence to review chest scans is making a difference for patients at Memorial Healthcare System.
“A person who comes to the emergency department after a car accident or complaining of chest pain will be scanned and, unrelated to any other issue they are having, may have a spot on their lung,” said Dr. Mark Block, chief of Memorial’s Thoracic Surgery program. “AI is able to detect the nodule and alert both the patient and our team at Memorial Cancer Institute that there could be a problem that needs further attention.”
Dr. Block’s more than 21-year Memorial career has been marked by significant growth in the thoracic surgery program, a dedication to research, and service to the cancer community. He is the current chair of the board for the American Lung Association in South Florida, a nonprofit organization dedicated to education, advocacy, and research.
