The American Cancer Society estimates that this year over 228,000 new cases of lung cancer will be diagnosed, and approximately 135,000 people will die from it, making it the leading cause of all cancer deaths in the United States. November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month and while it is a very deadly disease, at-risk people have a greater chance of increasing their survival rate by getting a low-dose CT scan (LDCT) before symptoms begin. According to the American Cancer Society, LDCT scans help find abnormal areas in the lungs that may be cancer, and since a majority of the time lung cancer symptoms are not present until the disease is at an advanced stage, early detection can make a huge difference.  In this episode, thoracic oncology specialists Meghan Lawless Keim, PA-C and Courtney Dockter, PA-C, explain who is eligible for lung cancer screening and how the process works.

Many times, those who are high risk for lung cancer are hesitant to have a screening, saying ‘why would I want to know I have lung cancer?’ But if found early, Stage 1 lung cancer is cured 85% of the time with surgery alone, or combined with high dose radiation. Additionally, lung cancer screenings are covered by Medicare and many private health insurance plans.

People who meet the criteria and are interested in a LDCT scan can learn more by contacting Minnesota Oncology’s Edina Clinic at (952) 928-2920 or Minneapolis Clinic at (952) 928-2926 or by visiting https://mnoncology.com/lung-cancer/lungscreening.

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