ROME, Ga., Nov. 3, 2023 – If you are an ex-smoker, a convenient lung cancer screening available at any of Atrium Health Floyd's three hospitals could save your life.
Lung cancer is the number one cause of cancer deaths in the United States, for men and women. It is so deadly because symptoms often don't develop until the cancer has already spread to other parts of the body. At that point, it is very difficult to cure.
“That is why screening for lung cancer is so important," said Dr. Michael Land, who sees patients at Atrium Health Floyd Primary Care Family Medicine in Adairsville. “I encourage all of my patients who qualify for the screening to do it. This can really save lives."
Even if heavy smokers quit years ago, they are still at high risk of developing cancer. Low-dose scans are the safest and most effective way to catch lung cancer early.
The American Cancer Society's estimates for lung cancer in the U.S. for 2023 are:
- About 238,340 new cases of lung cancer (117,550 in men and 120,790 in women)
- About 127,070 deaths from lung cancer (67,160 in men and 59,910 in women)
Your insurance may cover your lung screening if you:
- Are 50 to 80 years old
- Smoked cigarettes in the last 15 years
- Have a 20-pack year smoking history, for example:
- 1 pack of cigarettes per day for 20 years or more
- 2 packs of cigarettes per day for 10 years or more
- one-half pack per day for 40 years or more
Take a quiz to determine if you are eligible for a lung cancer screening.
"Lung cancer screening is easy and painless," Land said. “Here at Atrium Health Floyd, we use a low-dose CT scan to get a good, 3D picture of your lungs. A low-dose CT scan uses up to 90% less radiation than a conventional CT scan."
The scans can be performed at Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center, Atrium Health Floyd Polk Medical Center and Atrium Health Floyd Cherokee Medical Center.
After you check in for your screening, you will meet with a nurse practitioner who will review your smoking history and discuss smoking cessation options and tools if you're ready to quit. Additionally, they will explain the benefits and risks of low-dose CT scans, how you will get your results, and any next steps you might need to take after your screening test is completed.
Schedule your pre-screening appointment by calling 706-509-LUNG.