November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month
Lung cancer is the #1 leading cause of cancer-related death in America, but now there's hope. we have an opportunity to turn the tide against lung cancer with the new availability of lifesaving lung cancer screening for those at high risk for the disease .This screening is used to detect lung cancer early, when it is more likely to be curable. If the disease is caught before it spreads, the likelihood of surviving 5 years improves from 11 percent to 55 percent. . In fact, if only half of those eligible were screened, an estimated 15,000 lives could be saved. Despite this tremendous potential to save lives, less than 5 percent of those eligible have been screened.
The alarming statistics make it clear that we must do more to address this critical public health issue.
About the low-dose CT scan
A low-dose CT scan is a special kind of X-ray that takes multiple pictures as you lie on a table that slides in and out of the machine. A computer then combines these images into a detailed picture of your lungs.
A study on early detection of lung cancer found that only the low-dose CT scan can reduce mortality for those at high risk. If you’re a current or former smoker over the age of 55, you could be at risk.
Insurance
The initial scan will be covered without co-pay if you meet the high-risk criteria and are 55–80 years old and have private insurance, or are 55–77 years old and have Medicare. Health plans, including Medicare and private insurance, may charge co-pays if the facility or provider is "out of network." When booking your appointment, confirm with the facility that it and the providers are "in network" to avoid cost‑sharing.
To take a free quiz that can help you determine if you are eligible for a free screening and find facilities near you, visit The American Lung Association web site .
It's no coincidence that the Great American Smokeout is also in November!
This year it will be observed on November 16. To learn more about quitting smoking, improving your health, or getting involved with a Great American Smokeout event in your community visit The American Cancer Society's Great American Smokeout info page.
