Lung Cancer Prevention and Early Detection
Lung cancer is the second most common cancer (excluding skin cancer), and
is by far the leading cause of cancer death among both men and women.
Each year, more people die of lung cancer than of colon, breast and prostate
cancers combined.
Most lung cancers could be prevented, because they are related to smoking
(or secondhand smoke). Other risk factors include exposure to radon or
other environmental factors. Some lung cancers occur in people without
any known risk factors, and it is not yet clear if these cancers can be
prevented.
Lung Cancer Risk Factors
Tobacco Smoke
Smoking is by far the leading risk factor for lung cancer. The longer you
smoke and the more packs a day you smoke, the greater your risk. Cigar
smoking and pipe smoking are almost as likely to cause lung cancer as
smoking cigarettes.
Secondhand Smoke
If you don’t smoke, breathing in the smoke of others can increase
your risk of developing lung cancer.
Radon
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, this naturally occurring
radioactive gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer in this country,
and is the leading cause among non-smokers.
Can Lung Cancer Be Found Early?
Symptoms of lung cancer such as cough, chest pain, hoarseness or shortness
of breath may not appear until the cancer is advanced and hard to cure.
Even if the disease does cause symptoms, they may often be mistaken for
other problems, which may delay diagnosis.
In recent years, a study has shown that a test known as a low-dose CT scan
can be used to screen people at high risk of lung cancer. Low-dose CT
screening can reduce the risk of dying from the disease by finding the
cancer at an earlier stage when more treatment options are available.
Who should get low dose CT screening for lung cancer?
- You have no signs or symptoms of lung cancer
- You are between the ages of 55-77 (Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services) OR
- You are between the ages of 55-80 (commercial insurers)
- You have a 30 pack-year smoking history (i.e., 1 pack per day x 30 years
= 30 pack years; ½ pack per day x 60 years = 30 pack years)
- You are a current smoker, or quit within the past 15 years
- You’re willing to continue screening on a yearly basis until you
no longer meet the criteria.
Adults with a history of smoking can greatly benefit from the low dose
CT screening program available at all six Valley Health hospitals. To
learn more, ask your doctor or call us at 1-844-LDCT NOW (532-8669).
Source: American Cancer Society