2012 proceeds to help battle lung cancer

Proceeds from Treads & Threads 2012 will help battle lung cancer – the No. 1 cause of cancer death in the U.S. – by enhancing The University of Kansas Cancer Center’s lung cancer program.

Funds raised will establish lung cancer screenings for at-risk patients using low-dose CT scanning. Studies show this type of screening reduces lung cancer deaths by 20 percent when compared to traditional screening methods. Proceeds will also support a new dedicated patient navigator for the screening program and further lung cancer program expansion to meet growing needs.

Lung cancer claims more lives annually in the U.S. than breast, prostate and colon cancers combined. Lung cancer is usually not diagnosed until symptoms appear, and by then, cancer has spread beyond the lungs in 15-30 percent of cases. Lung cancer screenings can identify tumors in early stages when they are more easily treatable.

A party with a purpose

Treads & Threads is an extraordinary party with an even more extraordinary purpose. It helps provide more options – which means more hope – to patients fighting the battle of their lives against cancer.

Behind the party glitz, excitement and fun are countless cancer patients throughout the region whose lives have been touched by this annual event.

In fact, in just a decade, Treads & Threads sponsors and guests have contributed nearly $5.5 million to enhance and expand cancer patient care at The University of Kansas Cancer Center.

Proceeds have:

  • Educated thousands of patients and families through two new resource centers and a patient navigator
  • Saved lives through new technology to detect breast and prostate cancer
  • Renovated patient areas in radiation oncology
  • Provided special comfort and resources to patients in the last stages of life
  • Established Missys' Boutique to offer appearance center services
  • Piloted outpatient palliative care services for those with long-term illnesses
  • Supported clinical trials to provide more access to the latest potential treatment options