November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month—a time to highlight one of the most important tools in saving lives: early detection through screening.
Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in both men and women, but it remains the leading cause of cancer death in the United States. In fact, the number of deaths caused by lung cancer each year exceeds those from the next four to five most common cancers combined. Despite this, many cases can be treated successfully if the disease is found early—and that’s where screening makes a difference.
Why Screening Matters
Most lung cancers do not cause symptoms until the disease is advanced, when treatment options become more limited. Because of this, relying on symptoms is not recommended. Instead, proactive screening with a low-dose CT (LDCT) scan offers the best chance to detect lung cancer early, when it’s most treatable.
According to the American Cancer Society, screening with LDCT has been shown to reduce lung cancer deaths by 20% among people at highest risk. It’s quick, painless, and safe—and it could save your life.
How Low-Dose CT Scans Work
A low-dose CT scan uses a small amount of radiation to take detailed images of your lungs. These scans can detect tiny nodules or other changes that might not appear on a standard chest X-ray.
Screening also provides the opportunity to identify and address other lung conditions that may impact your health.
Who Should Get Screened?
You may qualify for a lung cancer screening if you meet the following criteria:
- You are 50 to 80 years old
- You currently smoke or quit within the past 15 years
- You have at least a 20 pack-year smoking history (for example, one pack per day for 20 years, or two packs per day for 10 years)
If you meet these guidelines, talk with your primary care provider about getting screened. The scan is quick—usually less than 10 minutes—and typically covered by insurance. For those without coverage, Santiam Hospital & Clinics offers screening for a nominal cash price (check with Heather in Radiology for details).
Understanding the Possible Downsides
While lung cancer screening saves lives, it’s important to understand what to expect:
- Most findings are not cancer. Over 90% of nodules found during screening are benign (non-cancerous).
- Some benign findings may require additional testing to confirm that they’re not cancer, which can lead to anxiety or follow-up scans.
- Low-dose CT scans image the entire chest, which means other incidental findings—such as a thyroid nodule or kidney cyst—may appear. More than 95% of these are harmless, but they may also lead to additional testing.
Your provider will discuss these possibilities during a shared decision-making conversation to ensure you feel informed and supported every step of the way.
Protecting Your Lung Health
Screening is just one way to protect your lungs. The most effective step anyone can take is to quit smoking. Even after years of smoking, quitting now significantly improves lung health and reduces your risk of cancer.
You can also support your lung health by:
- Avoiding secondhand smoke and harmful pollutants
- Staying active and maintaining a healthy diet
- Getting regular checkups with your healthcare provider
Take a Proactive Step This November
At Santiam Hospital & Clinics, we’re committed to helping our community live longer, healthier lives through prevention and early detection. Lung cancer screening is easy, safe, and effective—and it could save your life.
Talk to your primary care provider today about scheduling a low-dose CT scan at Santiam Hospital & Clinics. This simple test could be the most important step you take for your health this year.
