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The Christ Hospital Health Network is encouraging smokers and those at risk to undergo lung cancer screening, highlighting the importance of early detection in improving patient outcomes. Lung cancer remains the top cause of cancer-related deaths among men and women in the United States. While cigarette smoking is identified as the primary risk factor, secondhand smoke, family history, and environmental influences also contribute to lung cancer cases. Many individuals do not experience symptoms until the disease has reached advanced stages.
An artificial intelligence tool developed by Epic is being used at The Christ Hospital Health Network to help detect lung cancer earlier. This technology identifies nodules in radiologist reports that require follow-up, leading to more than 100 patients beginning treatment as a result of its use.
“Not only are we capturing more incidental lung nodules now that we’re able to extract this data from our radiologist reports, it also helps eliminate or reduce human error,” said Ashley Campbell, MSN, APRN, lung program nurse practitioner. “Obviously, the biggest benefit here is that we are capturing lung cancers at the earliest possible stage.”
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kentucky and Ohio rank among the top four states with the highest rates of adult smokers. The American Cancer Society estimates that over 235,000 people will be diagnosed with lung cancer nationwide this year. Although most diagnoses occur in individuals aged 65 or older, some patients can be diagnosed before age 45. Lung cancer causes more deaths annually than colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined.
The Christ Hospital Health Network operates an acute care hospital in Mt. Auburn, a remote hospital location in Liberty Township, five outpatient centers, and numerous medical offices across the region. With a workforce exceeding 7,200 employees and more than 1,300 physicians, it has served the community for over 135 years. The network was recognized as the top hospital in Cincinnati by U.S. News & World Report and included on Newsweek’s World’s Best Hospitals list for 2025.
For more information about lung cancer care at The Christ Hospital Health Network or to submit a screening request form online or by phone at (513) 585-0690.
