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Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths nationwide, but doctors say – if caught early – it can be cured. At Beacon, lung cancer screenings are allowing doctors to detect lung cancer before symptoms appear.
Early detection is key, said Dr. Diego Heredia, Beacon Medical Group pulmonologist.
“Part of the challenge is that lung cancers can grow slowly in your lungs without causing any symptoms. You don’t know you have it … and it grows until it’s in an advanced stage,” he said. “Usually when symptoms appear, it’s already late.”
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, a time to highlight the critical fact that early detection can save lives.
The only recommended lung cancer screening test is a low-dose CT scan, which is specifically designed for adults 50 and older with a long-term smoking history — a pack a day for 20 years or more. While other risk factors may exist, the proven benefits of screening are currently limited to this group, Dr. Heredia said.
Beacon’s expert team of doctors and other health professionals at Beacon use the screening to look for spots in the lungs or nodules that could indicate cancer.
“We are the only program to establish the most integrated and highly skilled team which comes together on a weekly basis and discusses these abnormal scans and decide the next best step,” said Dr. Omer Toor, hematologist / oncologist, Beacon Medical Group. “When we do a low-dose lung CT scan on the high risk population, we diagnose cancer early. We save a life. We save a family. We save a community.”
Hear more in WSBT’s Eye on Health below.
Don’t wait: Take action today
Could you be at risk for lung cancer? Take the first step toward peace of mind. Schedule an appointment with your primary care provider to discuss if lung cancer screening is right for you. Learn more about our lung cancer screening program.
About
Heidi Prescott
Passionate about writing her whole life, Heidi Prescott joined Beacon Health System in 2015 and currently serves as Senior Media Relations Strategist. A former newspaper journalist who has experience in TV, radio, magazines and social media, Heidi loves storytelling, photography and spending time in nature.
