November Is Lung Cancer Awareness Month: Could Screening Be Right for You?

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month—a good time to learn about lung cancer, understand your risk and find out whether screening may be right for you.

Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States and remains the leading cause of cancer death. Smoking is the biggest risk factor, but family history and exposure to certain cancer-causing substances can also increase your risk.

One challenge is that lung cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages. A low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scan can help find lung cancer sooner, when treatment may be more effective.

What is an LDCT scan?

An LDCT scan uses a small amount of radiation to create detailed pictures of your lungs. It can help doctors spot small abnormalities or lung nodules that may not appear on a standard chest X-ray.

The screening is quick, painless and non-invasive. You lie on a table that moves through a large, ring-shaped scanner while pictures of your lungs are taken. The scan takes only a few minutes and does not require needles or injections.

A radiologist reviews the images, and your healthcare provider explains the results and whether you need any follow-up.

Who should be screened?

Annual LDCT screening is currently recommended for adults who:

• Are ages 50 to 80
• Have at least a 20 pack-year smoking history
• Currently smoke or quit within the past 15 years

A pack-year describes how much someone has smoked over time. For example, one pack a day for 20 years—or two packs a day for 10 years—equals 20 pack-years.

Check with your insurance provider about eligibility and coverage.

Why does screening matter?

Screening takes place before symptoms develop. For people at high risk, it can help find lung cancer earlier, when treatment may be more effective.

Screening also has potential risks, including false-positive results, additional testing and exposure to a small amount of radiation. Talk with your healthcare provider about the benefits and risks so you can decide together whether screening is right for you.

If you smoke, quitting at any age can benefit your health. If you have already quit, you may still qualify for screening.

This November, take a moment to consider your lung health. If you are ages 50 to 80 and have a history of smoking, ask your healthcare provider whether annual lung cancer screening may be right for you.

To learn more or take our Health Risk Assessment, visit Central Carolina Hospital’s lung screening webpage: www.centralcarolinahosp.com/imaging/low-dose-lung-ct-screening.