Each year, more people die of lung cancer than colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined. November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, and Methodist Hospital is raising awareness of the importance of annual lung screening by glowing its campus pearl white, the official color designated to the health observance.
Lung cancer is difficult to identify and many people don’t experience any symptoms until the cancer has reached an advanced stage. It’s for this reason that yearly lung cancer screenings are recommended as it allows for a higher likelihood of successful treatment. The American Cancer Society recommends yearly lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for people who are 55 to 74 years old and who also meet the following conditions:
- Currently smoke or have quit in the past 15 years
- Have at least a 30-pack-year smoking history
Methodist Hospital is home to the most advanced diagnostic, therapeutic, and management services for the treatment of lung disease and lung cancer in San Antonio. Our comprehensive lung nodule program enables us to detect incidental lung nodules earlier, diagnose lung cancer at an earlier stage, and ultimately, save more lives.
Anyone who meets the risk criteria for lung cancer should speak with their primary care provider. To learn more about lung cancer care available at Methodist Hospital or to schedule a lung cancer screening, visit SAHealth.com for more information on lung cancer.