Should you be screened for lung cancer?

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in men and women. Unfortunately, most cases of lung cancer are detected at a later stage once symptoms develop.

However, 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.

Screening is Key

Screening with a low-dose CT scan (the process used in lung cancer screenings at Valley) can identify small nodules or other abnormalities in your lungs. The scans only take about 15 or 20 minutes. Finding a problem at an early stage, before there are symptoms, may make it easier to treat.

Is it Time to Get Screened for Lung Cancer?

Lung cancer screening may be recommended if you:

• Are between the ages of 55-80
• Are a current smoker or have quit smoking in the past 15 years
• Have a 30-pack-year smoking history (meaning you either currently or 15 years ago smoked a pack a day for 30 years, or smoked two packs a day for 15 years)
• Are generally in good health