Lung Cancer Screening

Lung cancer is by far the leading cause of cancer death among both men and women, making up almost 25% of all cancer deaths, and the American Cancer Society estimates over 2,500 new cases of lung cancer are diagnosed a year in Mississippi.

One reason why lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death is that lung cancer is not usually found until it has spread.  At Alliance Cancer Center, we want to help change that by encouraging the patients in the Delta region to get screened for lung cancer BEFORE they have symptoms.  Screening may find early-stage lung cancer with a higher chance of a cure.

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) recommends low dose, non-contrast lung CT scans (LDCT) for a very specific group of individuals who are at a higher risk for lung cancer.  The NCCN Guidelines for Patients® recommends an LDCT as part of lung cancer screening for patients who meet the following criteria:

– Current or former smoker, age 55 – 74

– At least a 30 pack-year smoking history

– If a former smoker, the patient must have quit in the past 15 years

Alliance Cancer Center recommends screening for lung cancer and encourages you to discuss low-dose CT scans with your physician.  The scan only takes a few minutes and low-dose CT lung screening is covered by most private insurers.  Remember, early detection is key to the successful treatment of cancer.