Shining a Light On Lung Cancer & Screening For It

Did You Know? Lung Cancer:

  • Accounts for 25% of all cancer deaths in all ethnic groups, more than any other cancer.

  • Has the lowest 5-year survival rate at only 18% compared to breast at 90%, prostate at 99%, and colorectal at 65%.

  • Will impact 1 out of 16 people.

  • Usually has no symptoms until it spreads.

Factors That Increase Your Risk for Lung Cancer:

  • Smoking is by far the leading risk factor for lung cancer.

  • Breathing in second hand-smoke.

  • Exposure to radon, asbestos, other carcinogens, and air pollution from vehicles, industry, power plants, and chemicals.

    • For more information about radon and testing for it in your house, go HERE.

  • Previous radiation to lungs.

  • Personal and family history of lung cancer and other lung diseases.

  • While smoking and second-hand smoke are key risks, 17.9% of men and women diagnosed with lung cancer were never smokers.

  • Approximately, two-thirds of never smokers diagnosed with lung cancer are women.

  • The average age in the United States for a lung cancer diagnosis is around 70 years of age.

About the Lung Cancer Screening:

  • Screening is testing with a low-dose computed tomography (low-dose CT or LDCT) which 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.

  • Lasts about 10 minutes, while the low dose CT scan itself only takes a few seconds. Any abnormalities found may require more testing.

  • Medicare and most insurance plans cover individuals eligible for screening.

Medicare’s Eligibility Criteria to Qualify for the Low Dose CT Lung Scan:
(Please note private insurance guidelines may vary)

  • Ages 55 to 77.

  • Current smoker or quit smoking in the past 15 years.

  • Have at least a 30 pack/years history of smoking. (This is calculated by multiplying the number of packs of cigarettes smoked per day by the number of years smoked for the total pack history.)

  • Asymptomatic (no signs or symptoms of lung cancer).

  • Have not undergone CT chest imaging within the last 12 months.

  • Has shared decision-making visit and smoking cessation counseling if needed from ordering physician.

 
 
 

The June E. Nylen Cancer Center is proud to be a part of Shine a Light on Lung Cancer this November which is the largest coordinated lung cancer awareness program in the United States. Shine a Light on Lung Cancer educates, connects, and celebrates lung cancer communities while raising awareness about the disease.

 
 
 
 
Christie Finnegan