Statistics Show Lung Cancer Screenings are Making a Difference

It may come as a surprise to many people to find out lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. Cancer often develops in the lungs from breathing in toxic chemicals. The number one cause of lung cancer is smoking.

If you are a smoker, it is not too late to decrease your chances of getting lung cancer by quitting. However, if you have already quit, you may still be at risk of developing this disease. For both smokers and former smokers, physicians recommend having a low-dose lung cancer screening every year.

“Research shows the low-dose CT scan can be life saving for patients,” explained M. Anas Moughrabieh, MD, board-certified pulmonologist at McLaren Flint. “Survival in people with lung cancer varies depending on the stage of the cancer. Statistics show the number of lung cancer deaths continue to drop due to the advances in early detection and treatment.”

Talk to your doctor to find out if you need to get a lung cancer screening. Those who are at an increased risk of lung cancer are:

• 55 – 77 years old,
• Asymptomatic (having a cough that does not go away, hoarseness, shortness of breath, etc.)
• A current or former smoker with at least a 30 pack-year smoking history (one pack a day for 30 years or two packs a day for 15 years) and
• A current smoker or those who have quit within the last 15 years.

McLaren Flint continues to provide safe care, even throughout the ongoing pandemic. Don’t put off important health appointments, such as your annual lung cancer screening.

“I can’t think of a reason not to get your annual lung cancer screening right now,” said Dr. Moughrabieh. “You don’t have to go to the hospital for this diagnostic imaging. These screenings are done at the McLaren Flint Imaging Center and the test doesn’t take long.”

Low-dose lung cancer screenings require an order from a physician. For more information, visit mclaren.org/flintlungscreening or call 1 (844) LUNG SCREEN (1-844-586-4727).