PINEHURST — Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States — claiming more lives than colon, breast and prostate cancers combined.
But despite its deadly toll, lung cancer remains one of the most under-discussed when it comes to regular screening. As we mark National Lung Cancer Screening Day on Nov. 8, 2025, FirstHealth is shining a light on the impact of early detection with the help of Pinehurst Medical Clinic’s interventional pulmonologist, Bradley Icard, D.O.
Lung cancer screening is surprisingly simple, painless and effective. Eligible patients — generally adults aged 50 to 80 with a history of heavy smoking — undergo a low-dose CT scan that takes less than 10 minutes.
The scan can help to detect small pulmonary nodules before they cause symptoms and is available to patients with a 20-pack-year smoking history — defined as smoking one pack a day for 20 years or two packs a day for 10 years — and who currently smoke or quit within the last 15 years.
According to Dr. Icard, who also serves as the medical director of FirstHealth’s Lung Screening Program under a patient services agreement with Pinehurst Medical Clinic, it only takes about 320 lung cancer screening CTs to save a life, a stark difference to the 900 mammograms or as many as 1,800 colonoscopies needed to achieve similar outcomes.
If abnormalities are detected, Dr. Icard and his team can use advanced robotic bronchoscopy to biopsy nodules with precision and minimal discomfort—no stitches, no hospital stay. “Recently, we’ve been doing more than 40 robotic bronchoscopies a month,” he says. “We’re identifying small tumors early, when they’re still highly treatable.”
Dr. Icard’s expertise, and the collaboration with Pinehurst Medical Clinic further strengthens FirstHealth’s commitment to delivering world-class lung care close to home. He joins a multidisciplinary team in the Chest Center of the Carolinas — a hub of collaboration between radiologists, surgeons, oncologists and Pinehurst Medical Clinic’s interventional pulmonologists focused on early diagnosis and streamlined care.
FirstHealth encourages everyone to breathe easier by learning more about lung cancer screening. If you or a loved one may qualify, talk to your provider.
Spreading Our Wings to Raise Awareness
In conjunction with Lung Cancer Screening Day on Nov. 8, FirstHealth is hosting the Wings of Hope Walk & Run in Pinehurst. The race will serve as a powerful reminder of how lung cancer impacts everyone in the community.
Hosted by FirstHealth Fitness in Pinehurst, the race will take place on the greenway trails behind the fitness center and is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. The event is a family-friendly run or walk for runners, walkers, cancer survivors and caregivers. Proceeds from the race will benefit the Foundation of FirstHealth’s Cancer CARE Fund.
Walkers and runners are encouraged to come dressed to support the cause — wear your favorite butterfly colors, wings or other gear. Local food trucks will be on site during the race, and there will be family-friendly activities before and during the race.
Registration for the race is available online.
Saving Lives One Mile at a Time
For patients who face barriers to transportation or live in rural areas, FirstHealth is meeting them where they are—literally. The Lung Bus, a mobile imaging unit equipped with a 40-slice low-dose CT scanner, travels throughout the region to bring life-saving lung cancer screenings into communities.
Made possible by the generous support of the Foundation of FirstHealth, the Lung Bus has already screened hundreds of patients, with multiple lung nodules detected early thanks to this effort.
Why Screen for Lung Cancer?
Who Qualifies for a Lung Cancer Screening?
To learn more about lung screenings or find a Lung Bus location near you, visit www.firsthealth.org/lung.
Pinehurst Medical Clinic Pulmonologists Bradley Icard, D.O., Michael Pritchett, D.O., MPH, and Adam Belanger, M.D., offer a broad range of comprehensive pulmonology services in Lee and Moore County under a patient services agreement with FirstHealth.
