Newswise — By Robert Korst, MD, Chief, Oncology Surgical Services and Thoracic Surgery, The Valley Hospital; Clinical Professor of Thoracic Surgery, The Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in men and women. Treatment for lung cancer can be highly successful if the tumor is detected in its earliest stages, before there are any signs or symptoms of the disease. Unfortunately, most cases of lung cancer are detected at a later stage once symptoms develop.
Screening with a low-dose CT scan can identify small nodules or other abnormalities in your lungs. Finding a problem at an early stage, before there are symptoms, may make it easier to treat.
Lung cancer screening is recommended for those who are between the ages of 55-80, are current smokers or have quit in the past 15 years, have a 30-pack-year smoking history (meaning someone who either currently or 15 years ago smoked a pack a day for 30 years or smoked two packs a day for 15 years) and are generally in good health. The scans only take about 15 or 20 minutes.
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, the perfect reminder of the importance of screening and early detection for lung cancer.
Please note: A physician’s prescription is required.
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