Lung cancer is the number one cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. It is responsible for more deaths annually than breast, prostate or colorectal cancers combined. Lung cancer is second only to heart disease in the number of deaths caused annually.

If you meet the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines for high-risk category one, call Big Bend Regional Medical Center to schedule a CT lung cancer screening. If you meet category two criteria, ask your physician for a referral. CT scans are easy and painless and could save your life because they can detect lung cancer at an early stage, when it is most treatable.

NCCN Criteria for Lung Cancer Screenings

High-Risk Category One (no physician referral required)

• Age 55 to 74 and
• Have smoked a pack of cigarettes a day for 30 years or two packs a day for 15 years or
• Quit smoking less than 15 years ago

High-Risk Category Two (physician referral required)

• Age 50 to 54 and
• Have smoked a pack of cigarettes a day for 20 years or more and
• Have one additional risk factor (other than second-hand smoke)

Additional Risk Factors

• Current smoker or smoking history
• Disease history (COPD or pulmonary fibrosis)
• Family history of lung cancer
• History of cancer
• Radon exposure
• Occupational exposure to arsenic, asbestos, beryllium, cadmium, chromium coal smoke, diesel fumes, nickel, silica and/or soot

Candidates cannot have signs or symptoms of lung cancer to qualify for a lung cancer screening.