Lancaster General Health
10/25/2021 | News release | Distributed by Public on 10/25/2021 04:57
Reduce Your Risk for Lung Cancer
There are few words as frightening as "you have lung cancer." The good news is you can greatly reduce your risk for lung cancer with one decision: Don't smoke.
Lung Cancer Data
Although there have been notable strides in early detectionand treatment, lung cancerstill accounts for about 27 percent of all cancer deaths in the United States. It remains the leading cause of cancer death for men and women, outpacing colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined.
Cigarette smokingis the number one cause of lung cancer, linked to about 80 percent of deaths from the disease. Even smoking a few cigarettes a day has a negative impact. However, your risk for lung cancer and other smoking-related illnesses continues to decrease the longer you don't smoke.
Smoking Cessation Help
Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health offers a variety of free resources to help you quit smoking.
Freedom From Smoking® group classes allow you to join others in a program developed by the American Lung Association that has proven success. The sessions provide the support and tools you need to quit smoking for good, including free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT).
Individual tobacco dependence treatment counseling is a good option for those who prefer more personalized help. The weekly 30-minute sessions at the Suburban Pavilion focus on developing a personalized quit plan, and again offer free NRT.
The PA Free Quitline, 1-800-QUIT NOW (784-8669), a state-run resource, provides free coaching-over the phone-to help you quit smoking.
Lung Cancer Screening
If you are concerned about your risk of lung cancer, Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health offers a lung cancer screening program with a doctor's referral. The screening is recommended for people ages 55-77 with a moderate to heavy smoking history, but no history of lung cancer.
Low-dose CT screening for lung cancer is covered by a growing number of insurance plans. Check with your plan to find out if it is covered. The screening service includes the CT scan, interpretation and written report by a board-certified radiologist, and follow-up reminder from the radiologist to the patient and referring physician, when needed.
Lancaster General Health has a team of expert specialists who are available to manage all of your lung cancer needs. Call 717-544-LUNGfor more information.
For more information on lung cancer screening go to checkyourlungs.org and discuss with your primary physician.