BMH Advanced Lung Center to host Lung Cancer Awareness Walk on October 10

Butler, Pa., Sept. 11, 2026 — Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States, but early detection can save lives. To raise awareness about screening, prevention, and treatment, Independence Health System's Advanced Lung Center at Butler Memorial Hospital (BMH) will host its annual Lung Cancer Awareness Walk on Saturday, Oct. 10, at Butler County Community College (BC3), 107 College Drive, Butler. 

Check-in begins at 9 a.m. in Founder’s Hall, and the walk starts at 10 a.m. Registration is free and includes a complimentary T-shirt for participants who register by September 15. 

Attendees will enjoy live music from the Butler Radio Network, snacks and refreshments, educational resources, a basket raffle, children’s activities, and opportunities to connect with others. Physicians, advanced practice providers and staff from Independence Health System will be available to answer questions and share information about lung health, screening, and treatment options. The event is open to individuals of all ages.

Proceeds from the walk will support Advanced Lung Center initiatives, including:

• Increasing awareness about the benefits of lung cancer screening
• Educating the community about the risks of smoking, vaping and smokeless tobacco
• Investing in advanced technology and equipment at the BMH Advanced Lung Center

According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 229,410 people in the United States will be diagnosed with lung cancer this year. The American Lung Association reports that when lung cancer is detected early, before it spreads, the five-year survival rate is 65% or more.

One of the most effective tools for early detection is low-dose computed tomography (LDCT), a quick, noninvasive imaging scan that takes less than five minutes and uses low-dose radiation to identify suspicious lung nodules and other abnormalities, often before symptoms develop. 

Since 2016, the Advanced Lung Center has completed more than 12,000 screenings and is expected to provide counseling to approximately 1,500 new patients this year. 

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

• Adults ages 50 to 80
• Those with at least a 20 pack-year smoking history (pack-year = number of years smoking x average packs per day over those years)
• And individuals who currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years

To register for the Lung Cancer Awareness Walk, visit independence.health/ButlerLungWalk. 

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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 a multi-county region. 

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.