Did you know 220,000 people are diagnosed with lung cancer every year? In honor of Lung Cancer Awareness Month this November, Valley View is encouraging patients to get screened before they show symptoms!
Lung cancer screening is a regular preventive health check, like a mammogram or a colonoscopy. The screening checks your lungs while you are feeling healthy, and in fact, lung cancer screening finds more cancer than mammography.
Who should get yearly lung cancer screening?
Yearly Low Dose CT screening is recommended if for people who meet all of the following criteria:
· Are 55 to 77 years old
· Are currently smoking or have quit within the past 15 years
· Are a heavy smoker or used to be a heavy smoker
Lung cancer screening is covered by Medicare and most commercial insurance plans for patients 55 to 77 years old.
Talk to your primary care provider to discuss if lung cancer screening is right for you.