According to the American Lung Association, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Here in Lee County, four people are diagnosed with lung cancer every day. Lee Health’s Advanced Lung Care Center continues to expand and evolve to meet the growing needs of our community for specialized lung care.
This month, during Lung Cancer Awareness Month, I want to encourage those at high risk to consider scheduling a screening.
The only recommended screening for lung cancer is a low-dose CT scan, which involves lying still on a table and slowly moving through the scanner. There’s no IV or medications. This test can detect small nodules or other abnormalities in the lungs early, when treatment is most effective.
You may be eligible for lung cancer screening if:
- You are 50-80 years of age.
- You currently smoke or quit within the past 15 years.
- You have at least a 20-pack-year smoking history*.
- You do not have signs or symptoms of lung cancer (such as chest pain, strong cough, trouble swallowing, wheezing, shortness of breath or coughing up blood).
*A pack-year equals the number of packs smoked per day multiplied by the number of years you’ve smoked. For example: 1 pack/day × 20 years = 20 pack-years…