Should You Get Screened For Lung Cancer?

11/2/2018

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in the U.S., with more than 150,000 people losing their lives to the disease each year – it’s more than breast, prostate, colon and ovarian cancer deaths combined.

In 2015, the latest year for which incidence data is available, there were 2,567 new cases of Lung and Bronchus cancer reported in Mississippi. For every 100,000 people, 72 Lung and Bronchus cancer cases were reported. The same year, lung cancer was the leading cause of death from cancer, and the third leading type of new cases reported.

Despite the steady rise in this statistic over the past 15 years, the number of people being screened for lung cancer falls far behind those screened for breast or colon cancers. This is an especially dangerous oversight if you are, or have been, a heavy smoker. Screening is looking for cancer before you have any symptoms, which can help find cancer at an early stage when it may be easier to treat.

“Patients whose lung cancer is detected in the earliest stage have a much better chance of survival,” LePercival Griffin, MD said. “Conversely, survival rates for lung cancer are quite low when it’s diagnosed in the later stages of the disease. Through CT screening, we can catch the tumor early and offer the patient more treatment options, and more time for those treatments to work,” said Dr. Griffin.

According to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, annual screening with low-dose computed tomography (CT scan) is recommended for those who are:

• Adults aged 55 to 80 years, AND
• Have a “30 pack-year smoking history” and
• currently smoke, OR
• Have quit within the past 15 years

A “30 pack-year smoking history” means you’ve smoked an average of one pack per day for 30 years, or two packs per day for 15 years.

A low-dose CT scan uses an X-ray machine to scan the body with low doses of radiation to make detailed pictures of the lungs. If you or a loved one meets the guidelines above, you should speak to your doctor about a screening plan. Lung cancer frequently has no symptoms at all in the early stages, contributing to the higher mortality rate.

Low dose CT lung Cancer screenings are available at Merit Health Central in Jackson or Merit Health Madison in Canton for only $80 from now until Nov. 30. For more information, call 888-344-1845.

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