Should You Get Screened for Lung Cancer?

8/15/2024

MOBERLY, Mo., August 15, 2024 – Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in the U.S., with more than 150,000 people losing their lives to the disease each year – it’s more than breast, prostate, colon and ovarian cancer deaths combined.

According to the CDC, Missouri’s age-adjusted lung cancer death rates are significantly higher than the US rate. While there are more cases of female breast and prostate cancers than lung cancer in Missouri, the number of deaths from lung cancer is higher.

Despite the steady rise in this statistic over the past fifteen years, the number of people being screened for lung cancer falls far behind those screened for breast or colon cancers. This is an especially dangerous oversight if you are, or have been, a heavy smoker. Screening is looking for cancer before you have any symptoms, which can help find cancer at an early stage when it may be easier to treat.

“When lung cancer is detected in the earliest stage, people have a much better chance of survival,” says Dr. David Brummett, radiologist at Moberly Regional Medical Center. “Lung cancer survival rates are quite low when it’s diagnosed in the later stages. Through CT screening, we can catch the tumor early so the patient may have more treatment options, and more time for those treatments to work.”

According to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, annual screening with low-dose computed tomography (CT scan) is recommended for those who are:

• Adults aged 50 to 77 years,
• Have a “20 pack-year smoking history”,
• and is a current smoker or quit smoking within the last 15 years.

A “20 pack-year smoking history” means you’ve smoked an average of one pack of 20 cigarettes per day for 20 years.

A low-dose CT scan uses an X-ray machine to scan the body with low doses of radiation to make detailed pictures of the lungs. If you or a loved one meets the guidelines above, you should speak to your doctor about a CT lung screening examination. Lung cancer frequently has no symptoms at all in the early stages, contributing to the higher mortality rate.

To find a provider who can help you learn more about your risk for lung cancer and need for screening, visit moberlyphysicians.com or call 660-263-9095.

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