Jefferson Community Health and Life has joined the annual statewide effort organized by the Nebraska Cancer Coalition^® (NC2) to heighten awareness of lifesaving lung cancer screening during November, Lung Cancer Awareness month.

Lung cancer is the leading cancer killer in Nebraska for both men and women. In 2025, the American Cancer Society estimates 1,260 new cases and 720 deaths from lung cancer in Nebraska. The stage of diagnosis strongly affects outcomes. The most recent Nebraska data indicates that the 5-year relative survival rates for lung cancer are 59% for early-stage diagnoses, while rates for later-stage cases fall to 36% for regional diagnoses and 9% for distant diagnoses. The American Lung Association reported that in 2024, only 21.6% of Nebraskans at high risk for lung cancer were screened.

“Lung cancer screening is critical, as symptoms often only become prevalent in later stages of the disease when it’s much more difficult to Breathe Easy and battle the disease. It’s important for Nebraskans with a history of smoking to talk to a health care provider about screening as soon as possible,” said NC2 President Dr.Joel Michalski.

“Speaking with a healthcare primary care provider about cancer screening is something we encourage all Nebraskans to do. Take ownership of your health and don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself,” stated Dr. Mike Romano. “Healthcare providers appreciate patients who do so.”

Screening for lung cancer with a yearly low-dose CT scan for those at high risk can reduce the lung cancer death rate by up to 20% by detecting tumors at early stages when they are more likely to be curable according to the American Lung Association (ALA). Lung cancer screening is recommended for people ages 50-80 years with a 20+ pack-year smoking history who currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years.  It is critical that we spread the word that in order to Breathe Easy, Nebraskans should get screened for lung cancer. For information on lung cancer screening at JCH&L, call 402-729-6841 or visit https://www.jchealthandlife.org/care-services/radiology/. For additional resources on lung cancer screening, please visit www.necancer.org/lungcancer.

Syed Akbar, DO, will join JCH&L in early 2026 as a family medicine physician. Dr. Akbar will care for patients in the Fairbury Clinic and will provide emergency department coverage. While his schedule will be part-time, he will have regularly scheduled clinic hours, so patients will be able to choose him as their primary care provider.

Dr. Akbar finds a sense of connection in rural areas. He grew up in a small town, completed post graduate training in New York City, and has practiced in rural Alabama.

“When I came to visit Fairbury, I immediately felt that connection. I had a chance to attend a football game and tailgate, and the warmth and friendliness of everyone I met – especially the physical therapy crew on the sidelines – really stood out,” Dr. Akbar said. “JCH&L’s commitment to being a trusted partner for a lifetime of health resonates deeply with me. I was looking for more than just a hospital; I was looking for a community to serve be a part of, and I found that here.”

Holly Wolff, JCH&L CEO, said that JCH&L is being creative in staffing models to return to a fully staffed family medicine clinic.

“While Dr. Akbar is starting with us on a part-time basis, he is willing to keep a schedule that allows him to care for patients and provide regular follow-up, as well as cover the emergency department ,” Wolff said. “Our hope is that Dr. Akbar will be able to transition to full-time at a later date.”

Rural medicine is all about relationships – and Dr. Akbar said that is what he loves most about rural medicine.

“You’re not just treating a patient; you’re caring for a neighbor, a friend, the person you see at the grocery store or at the Friday night football game. You get to see the whole picture and build lasting relationships with families over generations,” Dr. Akbar said.

He said that the variety of medicine a rural physician is able to provide is also incredibly rewarding.

“In a single day you can go from treating a child with a cold to managing a complex chronic illness in an older adult. It challenges you to be a better, more well-rounded physician, and that’s a challenge I’ve always embraced,” Dr. Akbar said.

His philosophy is one of partnership with patients.

“I believe that good medicine is built on trust and open communication. My role is to listen, to understand the whole person – not just their symptoms – and to work together to create a plan that fits their life and their goals,” Dr. Akbar said.

He said he is a firm believer that “healthy lives take root here.”

“I see myself as a gardener, helping to plant the seeds of health and wellness that will flourish for years to come. It’s about providing not just healthcare, but lifecare,” Dr. Akbar said.

Dr. Akbar received his doctor of osteopathic medicine from Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine. He is a board-eligible family medicine physician. He completed internal medicine residency training at McLaren Greater Lansing Hospital at MSU, and family medicine residency training at Montefiore Hospital/Albert Einstein Medical.

Outside of work he enjoys working on his old car, painting, and walking with his mini-Aussie doodle. He enjoys football and is looking forward to many more local games.

“I’m eager to put down roots in Fairbury and become a familiar, friendly face that people can count on,” Dr. Akbar said.

Abby Hanzlicek, MD, will join JCH&L in January 2026 as a family medicine physician. Dr. Hanzlicek will care for patients full-time in the Fairbury Clinic, and will cover occasional shifts in the emergency department.

Dr. Hanzlicek is devoted to rural medicine.

“Rural medicine allows me to provide comprehensive, meaningful care where it’s needed most. I love the variety and challenge of practicing medicine in a rural community,” she said.

Holly Wolff, JCH&L CEO, said it is a joy to welcome a new full-time family medicine doctor to the team.

“The losses we have suffered in our medical community have been difficult, but our team has been working hard to recruit excellent providers to care for our patients. We truly appreciate the support of our community,” Wolff said.

Dr. Hanzlicek is excited to join JCH&L.

“I chose JCH&L because it didn’t feel like I would just be part of a team here- it felt like I would be part of a family,” Dr. Hanzlicek said.

Her philosophy of health care is patient focused.

“Healthcare is a calling built on integrity and patient autonomy- it’s about providing patients with the information and support they need to make the best decisions for themselves and doing the right thing for every patient, every time,” Dr. Hanzlicek said.

Dr. Hanzlicek, a Kansas native, is board certified in family medicine and licensed in both Nebraska and Kansas. She is a graduate of Kansas State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in nutritional sciences and a secondary major in gerontology. She received her Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Kansas in Kansas City, Kan. She completed her family medicine residency at Smoky Hill Family Medicine Residency in Salina, Kan.

She has experience with Pawnee County Memorial Hospital and Rural Health Clinic, and has provided emergency, clinical and hospital coverage for critical access hospitals in Kansas.

She has filled a wide variety of volunteer and leadership roles, including volunteering at community clinics and a retirement center and taking a medical mission trip to Nicaragua.

Dr. Hanzlicek was the Kansas State University rising Professional Award recipient in 2024, was a Scholar in Rural Health, Kansas Honor Scholar and Kansas Board of Regents State Scholar.

She is a member of the Nebraska Academy of Family Physicians, American Medical Association, and American Academy of Family Physicians.

Dr. Hanzlicek and her husband, Lance, live near Pawnee City. They have a daughter, Laramie, 3; son, Dutton, 1; and another son on the way.

It is not easy to quit smoking, but it is the best thing you can do for your health. Jefferson Community Health and Life is offering a free smoking cessation interactive presentation on Thursday, Nov. 20, the day of the Great American Smokeout. Learn what research shows about the most successful ways to quit smoking.

The interactive presentation will be offered by Missy Klasek, RN, Tobacco Treatment Specialist, at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 20, in the Large Conference Room at JCH&L. The session is free and there is no obligation. No reservations are needed. Anyone interested is invited to come and learn.

People who have quit say: “After I quit smoking my anxiety went down!” “I could breathe so much better, and my cough was gone!”

For more information, contact Missy Klasek at 402-729-3351, extension 4266 or email Melissa.Klasek@JCHealthandLife.org.