Royce Calhoun, MD, will live stream a complex lung cancer surgery on Facebook Nov. 30 to raise awareness about early screening programs.
Dr. Calhoun, a thoracic surgeon at Edgewood, Ky.-based St. Elizabeth Healthcare, will perform the procedure on Joshua Bucchi, a 34-year-old father, Marine and police officer. During the broadcast, Dr. Calhoun will walk viewers through the procedure and answer audience questions.
Dr. Calhoun is broadcasting the surgery in honor of lung cancer awareness month, which takes place each November.
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths for both men and women in the U.S., according to data cited by St. Elizabeth Healthcare. Kentucky has the highest incidence rate of lung cancer in the nation.
By showcasing the care required to treat patients suffering from lung cancer, Dr. Calhoun and St. Elizabeth Healthcare hope to bring attention to screening programs that detect early and non-symptomatic cancers at a more treatable stage.
Dr. Calhoun said the message he wants to impart to patients — particularly those in areas where smoking is prevalent — is that "CT screening for lung cancer can completely save lives."
To watch St. Elizabeth Healthcare's Facebook Live broadcast at 9:30 a.m. EST Nov. 30, click here.