Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the world. According to the American Cancer Society, lung cancer accounts for more deaths than breast, prostate and colorectal cancers combined. However, with early detection and intervention, outcomes can significantly improve. Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is proud to announce the appointment of Priya Oolut, M.D., board-certified pulmonologist with Houston Methodist Pulmonary & Sleep Medicine Specialists at Sugar Land, as the new Medical Director for the Lung Nodule Program. Oolut, who has been with Houston Methodist Sugar Land since 2013, will spearhead the expansion of the hospital’s lung nodule screening services and focus on advancing early detection initiatives.
As a renowned expert in pulmonary medicine, Oolut brings a wealth of health care experience to her new role. With specialized training in lung cancer screening protocols and a proven track record of excellence in patient care, Oolut says she is committed to early detection.
“There is a huge survivability gap between when we catch it early versus late,” said Oolut. “For instance, the five-year survivability of stage 1 lung cancer is about 85%. This rate drops to just 20% if lung cancer isn’t caught until stage 4. The data clearly shows benefits to lung cancer screenings, but our challenge is lack of awareness. People who should be getting screened aren’t getting screened.”
Oolut says expanding the current program will include promoting the importance of lung screenings in the Fort Bend community and educating physicians on who should be getting screened. “By the time lung cancer starts to cause symptoms, it has often grown too big or spread too far for it to be removed completely,” Oolut said. “Lung cancer in its earliest stages typically does not cause symptoms. Screenings can help find these cancers early – when treatment is most likely to be successful. A 30-second low-dose CT scan can truly change a person’s life.” The expansion will include looking at incidental lung nodules: small, abnormal lesions or spots that are detected in imaging studies performed for an unrelated condition. Follow-up is based on the size of the nodule and can lead to early identification of an early-stage lung cancer.
Under Oolut’s leadership, Houston Methodist Sugar Land will continue to raise awareness of early detection so patients can take control of their lung health and live longer, healthier lives.