Low-Dose CT Scans Can Diagnose Lung Cancer Early

Note: The following release was provided by Atrium Health Floyd. – KtE

ROME — Ex-smokers at a high risk for developing lung cancer might be eligible for a lung cancer screening at Atrium Health Floyd, which offers a low-dose CT scan aimed at detecting cancer early, making it more likely that treatment will be effective.

“This scan can help save your life,” said Aimee Griffin, vice president of Professional Services at  Atrium Health Floyd. “Even if heavy smokers quit years ago, they are still at high risk of developing cancer. Low-dose scans are safe, effective ways to catch lung cancer early.”

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. An estimated one out of every 16 people will be diagnosed with lung cancer.

Lung cancer screening is quick and painless. Clinicians use a low-dose CT scan to take a detailed 3D picture of your lungs, using a small amount of radiation (up to 90% less than a conventional CT scan).

The screening is recommended only for adults who are at high risk for developing the disease because of their smoking history and age, and who do not have a health problem that substantially limits their life expectancy or their ability or willingness to have lung surgery, if needed.

You’re at a higher risk of getting lung cancer depending on your age and smoking history. You may be eligible for lung screening if you:

• ​Are 50 to 80 years old
• Smoked cigarettes in the last 15 years
• Have a 20 pack year smoking history, for example:

1. 1 pack of cigarettes per day for 20 years or more
2. 2 packs of cigarettes per day for 10 years or more
3. 1/2 pack per day for 40 years or more

If you’re eligible and decide to be screened for lung cancer, it’s important to be screened once a year, every year, until you’re no longer considered to be at high risk of developing lung cancer.

A pack-year is smoking an average of one pack of cigarettes per day for one year. For example, a person could have a 20 pack-year history by smoking one pack a day for 20 years or two packs a day for 10 years.

A study on early detection of lung cancer found that the screening test can reduce mortality for those at high risk. If you’re a current or former smoker over the age of 50, you could meet the high-risk eligibility criteria.

Patients can take an eligibility quiz to find out if lung cancer screening is right for them. Visit https://bit.ly/3ThxY1C to take the quiz. The screenings are available at Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center, Atrium Health Floyd Polk Medical Center and Atrium Health Floyd Cherokee Medical Center.

Learn more and schedule your pre-screening appointment by calling 706-509-6851.