Did you know? Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers in the U.S. The leading cause of cancer deaths, it’s responsible for more loss of life than breast, colon and prostate cancer together.

Sadly, about 80% of lung cancer deaths result from the choice to smoke. Until recently, doctors often did not discover lung cancer until it was far advanced, making it hard to treat.

However, lung cancer can now be detected early, when doctors have more treatment options. Our team at AFC Urgent Care Louisville would like to help you learn more about your risk and about low-dose CT for lung cancer.

What Causes Lung Cancer?

Most lung cancers are caused by smoking tobacco. The more someone smokes across his or her lifetime, the higher the risk. Overall, between 10 and 15% of people who smoke will develop lung cancer.

Secondhand smoke can also increase lung cancer risk, as can exposure to other dangerous chemicals.

Other Risk Factors for Lung Cancer

• Asbestos exposure
• Diesel exhaust
• Family history
• Chest radiation
• Radon exposure
  

Is There a Test for Lung Cancer?

Yes. In the early 2000s, a clinical trial of low-dose CT screening for lung cancer showed that this screening could detect cancers early, when they were more treatable.

Options for treating lung cancer in the early stages include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery and targeted medications. With early detection, lung cancer survival rates become much higher.

Who Is Eligible for Lung-Cancer Screening?

• People 55–80 years old
• Who smoke or have quit within 15 years
• Who have smoked a pack a day for 30 years (or two packs a day for 15 years, etc.)
• Who do not have current symptoms of lung disease

Want to learn more? Stop by AFC Urgent Care Louisville to get the answers you need.