November Marks Lung Cancer Awareness Month and the Importance of Being Screened

According to the American Cancer Society, this year, in the United States, more than 235,000 people will be diagnosed with lung cancer. While lung cancer is mainly diagnosed in people 65 or older, some patients can be diagnosed younger than 45. Lung cancer kills more people than colon, breast and prostate cancers combined.

Julian Guitron, MD, at The Christ Hospital Health Network, says patients who are 50 years and older with a history of smoking qualify for a lung cancer screening.

“Those who qualify are eligible for a low-dose CT scan which will allow us to find any signs of lung cancer,” said Dr. Guitron. “This is one of the least invasive screen tests available to patients who are at high-risk for this type of cancer. It has proven to be extremely successful nationwide, and we strongly encourage our community to consider joining our program now”

While vaping has grown in popularity, Dr. Guitron says that the lack of long-term data makes it challenging to consider vaping harmless.

“We simply don’t know yet what the long-term effects can be. While vaping seems to carry less risks than combustion cigarettes, we can’t recommend vaping yet and other smoking cessation options should be strongly considered. We offer a comprehensive lung health program at The Christ Hospital Health Network that offers smoking cessation sessions, screening for lung cancer and lung nodule management.”

He says the earlier a cancer is detected the better the long-term outcome.

“When detected early, lung cancer can be removed surgically, often without the need of chemotherapy or radiation. The best preventative measure to help lower your risk of lung cancer is to quit smoking if you haven’t already.”