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Health Matters: Providence San Fernando Valley | 9 LUNG CANCER SCREENINGS SAVE LIVES When detected early, lung cancer is much more likely to be treated successfully. You should be screened for lung cancer if you are between the ages of 50 and 80 and: • currently smoke or quit smoking within the past 15 years, or • smoked at least 20 pack-years (e.g., one pack a day for 20 years). TAKE ACTION If you're a current or former smoker, take matters into your own hands and talk to your primary care doctor about screening. Whereas screenings for breast, colon and cervical cancer are promoted regularly, unfortunately there's no similar mandate to screen for lung cancer. It is estimated that only 10% of potential patients even know about the screening. That's 90% who don't know about a procedure that could save their lives. It's a matter of education. Now you know and can help spread the word. "L ung cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S.," says Nguyen Minh Le, MD, director of thoracic medicine at Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center. "Though nonsmokers can get lung cancer, the vast majority of cases are smokers or former smokers. The most common forms of lung cancer are non–small cell adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma—which in some cases can be quite aggressive." What these forms all have in common is this: They are curable. If, that is, you catch them early. But early detection can be difficult. "Many times there are no symptoms, and lung cancer gets discovered at a late stage," Dr. Le says. "A doctor may have ordered an imaging scan of a nearby body area such as the shoulder or breast and lung cancer is found as an incidental finding." FIND LUNG CANCER EARLY: GET SCREENED Screening for lung cancer involves a low-dose CT scan, which can show problematic nodules that may indicate lung cancer. Your primary care physician or pulmonologist can refer you for this screening if you meet certain criteria (see "Lung Cancer Screenings Save Lives," at right). Whether you're a current or former smoker, it is important to know your pack-year history. Pack-years are calculated by multiplying the average number of packs smoked per day by the number of years smoked. (For example, 1 pack per day for 20 years equals 20 pack-years.) Any number greater than 20 is associated with a higher risk for lung cancer. This is one of the lung screening criteria according to the newest 2023 American Cancer Society guidelines. BIOPSY MADE EASY Once someone gets screened for lung cancer and is found to have lung nodules that are suspicious for cancer, the next step is biopsy. It is essential to get a biopsy as quickly as possible so that treatment can start if there is indeed cancer. Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center is one of three Providence hospitals in the Valley that are pleased to offer the most current method for lung cancer biopsy, the Ion robot, which is available in only a select number of hospitals across the country. The Ion robot assists in navigating with unparalleled precision through the airway to lung nodules. This minimally invasive procedure provides an accurate diagnosis, minimal to no pain and a very short recovery time. Ultimately, getting screened is the most important step. Regrettably, a staggering 90% of individuals who meet the American Cancer Society 's criteria for lung cancer screening fail to do so. If you're a current or former smoker, talk to your primary care doctor or pulmonologist about lung cancer screening. To learn more about lung cancer screening programs near you or to request a screening, call: Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center 818-881-9814 Providence Holy Cross Medical Center 877-LUNG-INFO (877-586-4463) Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center 844-LUNG-LIFE (844-586-4543)

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