Lung cancer is the number 1 cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States and is responsible for more deaths annually than breast, prostate and colorectal cancers combined. A landmark national study, the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) sponsored by the National Cancer Institute, has indicated that screening with low-dose CT scans can help find lung cancers early, leading to a higher cure rate. Diagnosing lung cancer at an early stage, before the cancer has spread, increases a patient’s chance of successful treatment and survival. The US Preventative Task Force is also currently reviewing a recommendation to broaden the age range and pack-year eligibility criteria for screening to 50 to 80 years for those who have a 20 pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years.
The best way to reduce your lung cancer risk is to stop smoking. If you or a loved one are ready, our CT Lung Screening Navigator can help.
Learn more about our Sentara Cancer Network Lung Cancer Program
Learn more about Low-Dose CT Lung Screening at Sentara
Additional Lung Cancer Resources:
Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Lung Cancer