November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month
"The goal is to catch cancer while it is still in its early stages and has not spread to other organs."
Of the many forms of cancer, lung cancer could be considered the most devastating, accounting for approximately one out of every four cancer deaths. More patients die of lung cancer yearly than combined breast, colon and prostate cancer.
According to the American Lung Association, just 16 percent of lung cancer cases are diagnosed in an early, more treatable and curable stage.
Early signs of lung cancer can appear as common, harmless symptoms often written off as a passing inconvenience: unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite or reduced energy. By this point, the cancer may already be advancing.
These sometimes-overlooked symptoms prompted cancer specialists to develop screening guidelines to detect lung cancer in its early stages.
With cigarette smoking being the leading risk factor for lung cancer, those who should consider a low-dose computed tomography (CT) lung cancer screening are:
- Current smokers or former smokers who have quit within the past 15 years with at least a 20-pack-year smoking history
- Between the ages of 50 and 80
Lung cancer screening is covered by Medicare for patients 50-77 years old and most commercial insurance plans cover screening for patients 55-80. There is usually no out-of-pocket cost for low-dose CT lung screening. Still, it is best to speak with your insurance provider about coverage.
A computed tomography (CT) scan is the standard method for lung cancer screening. The machine takes pictures of the entire chest and allows clinicians to see minor lung abnormalities. Most low-dose CT scans take around 15 - 30 minutes to complete.
“Annual low-dose CT scan of the chest is an effective method for lung cancer screening," Hirva Mamdani, M.D., medical oncologist, leader of the Thoracic Oncology Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) and director of the Lung Cancer Screening Program at the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute. “The low-dose CT scan is associated with minimal radiation exposure and detects abnormalities in the chest and lungs, which may need further evaluation.”
Early on, lung cancer does not usually present symptoms. Finding lung cancer in an early stage gives the patient a greater chance for a positive outcome.
If you have symptoms, call 1-800-KARMANOS or click here to make an appointment with an oncologist in the Thoracic Oncology MDT. Signs and symptoms of lung cancer usually present as:
- A cough that does not go away
- A cough that causes you to bring up blood
- Shortness of breath, wheezing or hoarseness
- Chest pain
- Swelling of the face and neck
- Arm pain or weakness
Oncologists advise not to wait for a symptom before acting, especially if you meet the criteria above of someone who should consider lung cancer screening. Visit karmanos.org/lungscreening or call us to learn more about the Lung Cancer Screening Program and request an appointment.
“Our program is designed to ensure that we monitor your lung health and that you receive tests and follow-ups as necessary. The goal is to catch cancer while it is still in its early stages and has not spread to other organs – in other words, the cancer is localized. Localized cancers are curable and associated with a higher chance of survival,” Dr. Mamdani explained. “Patients participating in the screening program receive annual low-dose CT scans, follow-up results and care.”
Learn more about Karmanos' Lung Cancer Screening Program and schedule a consultation here.