Advanced Lung Centers of Independence Health System to Host Lung Cancer Awareness Walks, Emphasizing the Importance of Screenings

Butler, Pa., Sept. 23, 2025 — Independence Health System’s Advanced Lung Center at Butler Memorial Hospital will host its inaugural Lung Cancer Awareness Walk on Saturday, Oct. 18. Check-in begins at 9 a.m., with the walk starting at 10 a.m. at the Crossroads Campus,129 Oneida Valley Road, Butler, Pa 16001.

The walk is being held to raise awareness about the importance of lung cancer screenings. Registration is free and includes a complimentary T-shirt for participants who sign up by Oct. 3. Attendees can enjoy live music provided by the Butler Radio Network, refreshments, educational resources, BP screenings, basket raffles, giveaways and opportunities to connect with others. One of the featured activities includes an opportunity to try out a lifelike simulation of the Johnson & Johnson MONARCH™ robotic lung surgery system, where participants guide a camera through the lung’s airways using a gaming-style controller. The interactive experience offers a close-up look at lung anatomy and demonstrates how tissue is sampled and identified for disease diagnosis. Physicians, advanced practice providers and staff from Independence Health System will be available to share information and answer questions. The event is open to all ages.

All proceeds will support the following Advanced Lung Center initiatives:

• Increasing awareness about the benefits of lung cancer screening
• Education on the dangers of smoking, vaping and smokeless tobacco
• Investment in state-of-the-art technology at the Butler Memorial Hospital Advanced Lung Center

Latrobe Hospital will also host a walk at The Square at Latrobe,100 Excela Square Drive, Latrobe, Pa., held concurrently with the Butler-area walk. Latrobe introduced the community walk in 2023 to promote awareness about the importance of lung cancer screenings and is now preparing to host its third annual event.

According to the American Lung Association, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Early detection is key — when caught before it spreads, the five-year survival rate increases to 65 percent, compared to just 9 percent for late-stage diagnoses.

Low-dose computed tomography, or LDCT, is a noninvasive, painless imaging test that uses low-dose radiation to detect suspicious lung nodules. It captures multiple 3D images of the lungs, allowing for the identification of early-stage lung cancer that may not appear on standard chest X-rays.

The American Lung Association recommends annual screenings for individuals at higher risk, including:

• Adults ages 50 to 80
• Those with a 20 pack-year smoking history
• Current smokers or those who quit within the past 15 years

To register for the Lung Cancer Awareness Walk in Butler, visit www.independence.health/butlerlungwalk

To learn more about Independence Health System and its comprehensive services, visit www.independence.health.

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Nationally recognized for quality care, Independence Health System comprises Butler Memorial, Clarion, Frick, Latrobe and Westmoreland Hospitals with a combined bed count of 925. With more than 1,000 physicians and advanced practice providers and nearly 7,000 employees, the System is the third largest in western Pennsylvania serving a population base of 750,000 in a footprint spanning more than 10 counties. 

The System includes tertiary programs rated among America’s best for cardiac care and surgery, earning accolades from a number of prestigious outlets and organizations. Locally owned and locally controlled, Independence Health System offers its patients low-cost, high-quality care across the care spectrum in such specialties as cardiology, cardiovascular and thoracic surgery, orthopedics and sports medicine, minimally invasive and robotic surgery, women’s health and obstetrics, emergency medicine, behavioral health and primary care. Its network of outpatient centers sees more than 1.2 million visits annually. The homecare division further supports patients at all stages of life with home health and hospice services. Learn more at www.independence.health