Thursday marks Lung Cancer Awareness Day, a crucial platform for health care professionals, researchers and advocates to unite and raise awareness about the disease.

Smoking and secondhand smoke exposure are top risk factors for lung cancer, often dubbed the "silent killer" due to its subtle symptoms.

Dr. Dan Costin from White Plains Hospital highlights the importance of early detection. "The symptoms could be cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, chest pain, or weight loss," Costin explains.

He emphasizes the significance of screening, particularly for high-risk individuals. "If you're in a high-risk group, don't wait for symptoms. Discuss appropriate screening with your doctor. A yearly, low-dose CT scan of the chest is now the recommended screening for lung cancer."

White Plains Hospital offers lung cancer patients access to clinical trials with cutting-edge treatments to aid in their battle against the disease.