Lung cancer is responsible for the most cancer deaths in the United States of all types of cancer. Unfortunately, the symptoms of lung cancer often don't appear until the cancer is already at an advanced stage. Screening for lung cancer increases the chances the disease is detected at an earlier stage and reduces the risk of dying from the disease.

Screening with low-dose CT (LDCT) scans can reduce deaths in those at high risk for lung cancer. However, the test is not recommended for everyone. If you meet the following criteria, you should talk to your physician about being screened for lung cancer.

People 50-80 years of age who:

• Are Current smokers or who have quit in the last 15 years
• Have history of at least 20 "pack years"
  • One pack per day for 20 years, 2 packs for 10 years, etc.
• Don't have current signs or symptoms of lung cancer.

For more information about lung cancer screening, contact Brown Surgical Associates.

Abbas El-Sayed Abbas, MD, FACS
401-553-8320

Haley Leesley, MD, MS
401-228-0621

 

More Lung Cancer Screening FAQs from the American Lung Association »

Causes and Risk Factors

Lung cancer happens when the cells of the lungs mutate, often after being exposed to dangerous chemicals that we breathe. Causes can include:

• Smoking
• Radon Exposure
• Hazardous Chemical
• Particle Pollution
• Genetics

Symptoms

Lung cancer symptoms can often be dismissed as other issues, like allergies or a cold. You should talk with your doctor if you:

• Experience shortness of breath
• Have a cough that won't go away
• Cough up blood
• Experience unexplained weight loss and fatigue