Key to Surviving #1 Cancer Killer: Early Detection of Lung Cancer

November is National Lung Cancer Awareness Month, and we have our work cut out for us. Many Americans are woefully unaware that lung cancer is the leading cancer killer in the United States. The five-year survival rate for lung cancer is among the lowest of all types of cancers. Yet, when detected early, there are more potential treatments available and odds for survival are higher. Early detection is key to saving lives, and this November, the American Lung Association is urging all Americans to learn more, understand your risk and join the fight to defeat lung cancer. Lung cancer kills more men and women than any other cancer in America. It kills more than 400 people every day, with a new diagnosis occurring every 2½ minutes. One reason why lung cancer has a low survival rate is that there are few early symptoms of the disease. By the time symptoms appear, the disease is often advanced and may have spread to other parts of the body. At this stage, treatment is more difficult and often less successful. New detection methods and understanding of risk can catch lung cancer earlier, when more treatment options are available. Importance of Lung Cancer Screening Screening is looking for cancer before you have any symptoms. Studies have shown that low-dose spiral CT scan, or CAT scan, is the only lung cancer screening tool that reduces the risk of dying from lung cancer. Annual CT screening is recommended only for those considered at high risk for lung cancer. Who is at high ...
Source: Healthy Living - The Huffington Post - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news