On December 7, Atlanta Falcons Legends joined clinicians from Emory Healthcare and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University at the Home Depot Backyard to raise awareness for prostate and lung cancer screening.
Attendees explored the Winship Mobile Prostate Cancer Screening Bus, which has provided free PSA testing to hundreds of men across Georgia since launching in September. Positioned alongside the bus was an interactive lung-screening awareness activation highlighting the new Emory Healthcare Lung Screening and Nodule Program, designed to expand access to low-dose CT scans that can detect lung cancer at its earliest and most treatable stage.
Falcons Legends Drew Davis, Chris Draft, Lamar Holmes, Mareno Philyaw, and Al Richardson were on-site to meet fans and support the initiative.
Former Falcons wide receiver Chris Draft, whose wife, Keasha, died from lung cancer at age 38 and whose father is a prostate cancer survivor, spoke with fans about the life-saving importance of screening.
“These cancers hit my family personally, and I want every man to know that screening can make all the difference,” Draft said. “If showing up today helps one person get screened, it’s worth it.”
Why Early Detection Matters
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States, largely because it often goes undetected until it has advanced. Emory’s new Lung Screening and Nodule Program offers low-dose CT scans at five metro Atlanta locations, connecting patients to Winship’s nationally recognized lung cancer experts for timely evaluation and care.
Suresh S. Ramalingam, MD, executive director of Winship Cancer Institute and a leading lung cancer specialist, emphasized the program’s impact:
“Detecting lung cancer early can save lives, and this program reflects our commitment to reaching more individuals across Georgia. By expanding access to low-dose CT screenings, we can find lung cancer at an early stage and intervene when treatment is most effective.”
Rachel L. Medbery, MD, thoracic surgeon and program co-leader, added:
“Lung cancer often doesn’t show symptoms until it’s advanced. When we find it early — before it has spread — treatment is far more likely to be successful. Screening is quick, painless, and can be lifesaving for people at high risk.”
Lung screening is recommended for adults ages 50–80 with a 20 pack-year smoking history who currently smoke or quit within the past 15 years.
About the Winship Mobile Prostate Cancer Screening Clinic
The Winship Mobile Prostate Cancer Screening Clinic brings free PSA testing directly to communities statewide, helping close gaps in access to early detection. Since launching in September, the mobile clinic has screened hundreds of men and identified individuals who required further evaluation — connecting them to follow-up care before symptoms arise.