Although lung cancer is a very deadly disease, lung cancer death rates are dropping due to early detection, education, and lifestyle changes. November is Lung Cancer Awareness month, which means it’s the perfect time for us to do our part in educating patients about this dangerous condition and raising awareness about the important role that lung cancer screening plays in prevention!
Roughly 225k people each year are diagnosed with lung cancer, and it’s estimated that 1 in every 15 people will develop lung cancer at some point during their lifetime. Lung cancer is responsible for an astounding number of deaths each year (almost twice as many as breast cancer), and early detection of lung cancer plays a crucial role in a patient’s ability to survive the condition.
What Is Lung Cancer Screening?
Regular lung cancer screenings are designed to diagnose the disease quicker, get you on the path to treatment, and prolong your life. Although there is no cure for lung cancer, early detection and treatment can help you live a better quality of life.
The most effective form of lung cancer screening is CT lung cancer screening (also known as low-dose computed tomography or LDCT). During the procedure, a radiologist x-rays your chest with a very low dose of radiation to examine the lungs for any abnormalities or issues before they become more serious.
Lung Cancer Screening Guidelines
The United States Preventive Services Task Force provides lung cancer screening guidelines to educate the public on who should consider regular, annual screenings, as well as what age patients should begin getting screened based on their risk factors. In general, people who meet some or all of the following criteria are recommended to undergo regular lung cancer screening:
Someone with a heavy smoking habit (1 pack a day for 30 years).
Anyone who is a current smoker or has smoked regularly in the past 15 years.
A person between the ages of 50-80.
Someone with any symptoms of lung disease.
Because LDCT screening exposes the patient to a low dose of radiation, be sure to speak with your doctor in depth about whether the pros of this screening procedure outweigh any potential risks.
When Should I Start Getting Screened For Lung Cancer?
If you have been smoking for many years or have any lung cancer symptoms, you should contact your lung cancer specialist right away to get screened. If lung cancer runs in your family, you may also be at high risk and should get checked out.
If you fall into one of the other categories and are 50 years old or older, talk to your doctor about whether you should start getting screened regularly.
Where Can I Get Lung Cancer Screening in San Francisco?
You can’t control whether or not you’ll develop lung cancer in your lifetime, but early detection through regular lung cancer screening is the best tool in your arsenal when it comes to lung cancer prevention. If you live in the East or North Bay areas and are eligible for lung cancer screening, schedule a lung cancer screening exam at a BICRAD location near you.