CT scan testing can detect lung cancer

Although lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in America, it can be defeated. When found early, lung cancer can be treated before it has a chance to grow, spread or cause other issues.

To help detect this cancer in its earliest stages, Mile Bluff’s Medical Imaging Department offers low-dose computed tomography (CT) for lung cancer screening. The CT machines are able to provide pictures in more detail than a traditional X-ray, which increases the chances of finding lung cancer in its earliest stages.

There are a number of risk factors that can lead to the development of lung cancer. Smoking cigarettes is at the top of the list. The more you smoke and the longer you smoke, the higher your risk for developing cancer. If you are age 55 to 80, and are a current smoker, or a past smoker who quit less than 15 years ago, and if you have a smoking history of at least 30 pack-years (one pack a day for 30 years, two packs a day for 15 years, etc.), talk to your provider about lung cancer screening.

Signs of lung cancer

• a new cough that doesn’t go away
• a change in a chronic cough
• coughing up blood
• shortness of breath or chest pain
• unexplained weight loss

If you smoke, the best thing to do is quit. It reduces your risk of developing cancers and heart disease. No matter how much or how long you’ve smoked, quitting will have a positive impact on your health.

For more information on quitting, or on the lung cancer screenings, talk to your primary care provider, or call Mile Bluff’s Medical Imaging Department at 608-847-1829.