Lung most cancers is likely one of the deadliest. One-fourth of most cancers deaths within the U.S. are from lung most cancers. And lower than 20% of individuals reside 5 years after they’re recognized.
The excellent news: lung most cancers screening works. It cuts down on lung most cancers deaths, analysis exhibits.
But not sufficient folks get a screening.
“It should be just as common as mammography and colonoscopy,” says Aimee Strong, DNP, program coordinator for UVA Health’s lung most cancers screening program. “But today, less than 10% of people eligible for screening are getting screened.”
Screening might save many extra lives.
UVA Cancer Center is one in all 50 high most cancers organizations within the U.S. calling for extra screenings for folks at excessive threat for lung most cancers.
Should I Get a Lung Cancer Screening?
Medicare, Medicaid, and lots of different insurances cowl lung most cancers screening should you:
- Are 50-77
- Smoked for 20 pack years (That’s 1 pack a day for 20 years or 2 packs a day for 10 years.)
- Smoke now or stop previously 15 years
- Have no signs of lung most cancers
Have You Been a Smoker?
A lung most cancers screening might discover most cancers early and save your life.
Not certain what number of pack years you’ve smoked? Use this software to search out out.
At UVA Health, our group will help be sure you’re lined.
“The lung cancer screening team at UVA Health receives pre-authorization from each patient’s insurance provider to make sure patients are approved and aware of potential costs upfront,” says Strong.
How Does Lung Cancer Screening Work?
Screening features a low-dose CT scan of the lungs. This imaging process makes use of particular X-rays to see detailed “slices” of the physique. The screening is fast, straightforward, and non-invasive. There’s no IV wanted, and there’s minimal radiation publicity (even lower than radiation within the surroundings).
Radiologists specifically educated in lung most cancers screening will evaluate your scans. If we discover most cancers, we now have a group of lung most cancers specialists at UVA Cancer Center who will help.
Why Should I Get Screened?
Screening helps discover most cancers earlier. When we discover most cancers earlier, the possibility it’s unfold past the lungs is decrease. We can deal with it extra simply, and also you’re extra prone to reside.
“We know early detection is key to improving survival. And the majority of lung cancers we’re finding during screening are in stage 1 when they are highly treatable,” says Strong.
But wouldn’t you are feeling it you probably have most cancers? You won’t till it’s too late. We name lung most cancers the “silent killer” as a result of signs — cough, shortness of breath, weight reduction — usually don’t present up till the most cancers is superior.
“Unfortunately, greater than 70% of lung cancers are detected too late, when the chance for a cure is much lower,” explains Michael Hanley, MD, medical director of the UVA Health’s screening program.
Do I Have to Quit Smoking?
No, however the group will help if you wish to stop. Our counselors will help you get medicines and join you with assets to stop.
“A lot of patients feel guilty about smoking. Or they’re afraid what screening will show them,” says Strong. “However, we don’t judge. Many of our patients began smoking as teens. That was a different time and tobacco companies made smoking very attractive and very addictive.”