Finding out you have cancer can be a frightening experience. But what if we told you screening can help save your life?
At Providence, we’re on a quest to take the fear out of screening. Lung cancer is much more treatable when caught in its earliest stages. That’s why it’s so important for people who are at increased risk to get screened.
How do I know if I should — or even can — get screened for lung cancer?
Lung cancer screening may be recommended if you:
- Are between the ages of 50 and 80
- Currently smoke or quit within the past 15 years
- Smoked, on average, one pack a day for 20 years or two packs a day for 10 years
Even if you don’t experience symptoms, your doctor may recommend screening because early detection is key.
My doctor said I qualify for lung cancer screening. How do we even screen for lung cancer?
Screening is quick, easy and painless. We use a low-dose radiation CT scan, rather than a conventional chest X-ray, because the CT scan detects nodules in their earliest and smallest stages. Depending on the results, a biopsy may be recommended.
If you are diagnosed with lung cancer, our nurse navigators and skilled specialists will be by your side throughout treatment to advocate for you, answer questions and ease your way. They provide compassionate, personalized care with the best in medicine.
Take charge of your health
As Kia Nikoomanesh, D.O., pulmonary and critical care physician, says, “If we can find nodules at an early stage, we can treat them before they’re late-stage cancer and avoid chemotherapy or radiation. If you catch lung cancer early enough, it can be just a simple resection and you’re done. It can save your life.”
At Providence, we believe knowledge is power. In honor of Lung Cancer Awareness Month, take charge of your respiratory health and get screened.
