Early Detection of Lung Cancer Saves Lives f you watch old TV shows, you know that 50 years ago, smoking was more the norm than the exception. Many of our favorite actors sat in their make-believe living rooms puffing away on cigarettes and the airways were filled with commercials telling us which brand was the most flavorful. Smoking was acceptable and perhaps even expected in mainstream society. Now we know better. Lung cancer is the number one cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. and cigarette smoking is the principal risk factor for the disease. And, historically, the prognosis for those diagnosed has been poor because of late-stage diagnosis. As with many cancers, early detection is the key to increased survival rates but until recently, there was no easy, cost-effective way to screen for lung cancer. University Hospitals now offers just such a screening – the low-dose lung cancer CT screening. The test, which is painless and takes only seconds to complete, provides a threedimensional image of the lungs. Suspicious growths that show up on the scan may be I removed and biopsied or watched over time for changes. If lung cancer is found, earlier is definitely better as stage-one lung cancers have a 70 to 90 percent cure rate. Talk to your doctor about your risk factors for the disease and whether or not you are a candidate for the screening. You may qualify if you: • Are a current or former smoker • Are between the ages of 55 and 77 • Quit less than 15 years ago • Smoked an average of one pack a day for 30 years or two packs a day for 15 years This screening is not yet covered by commercial insurances* but University Hospitals offers the test for just $99 at 11 northeast Ohio locations. Call 1-866-UH4CARE (1-866-844-2273) to schedule a screening at a UH location near you. A written order from your physician is required. *Medicare recently approved this screening as a covered benefit for certain high-risk patients. You are advised to check with your provider to determine your coverage. If lung cancer is found, earlier is definitely better as stage-one lung cancers have a 70 to 90 percent cure rate. 38 Beachwood Buzz n April 2015