November is National Lung Cancer Month. Take a look at these surprising facts and learn how to get a lung scan that could potentially save your life!
Lung Cancer Facts:
- Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in both men and women in the United States
- American Cancer Society estimates that approximately there will be 229,000 new cases of Lung cancer and 143,000 deaths in 2019.
- Individuals who smoke or are exposed to second hand smoke, as well as those exposed to radon, asbestos and other environmental inhalants are at risk
- Improved outcomes mean healthier, more productive members and reduced healthcare spending.
- The overall spend for Lung cancer and associated Pulmonary Diseases for the Carpenters for Fiscal year 2017 and 2018 was $2,674,779.44
Why you should take advantage of the Temple Lung Scan:
- Screening for Lung cancer in its early stages, before a person has symptoms, will allow for treatment that can prevent the disease from progressing
- Uses inexpensive, non-invasive low-dose CT scan of the lungs to detect for presence of disease
- One on one follow up with Temple doctor reviewing the results and providing education and directions for further follow up and management as needed
- Diagnosing and treating Lung cancer in this way will save lives, avoid debilitating illness, limit healthcare spending and improve quality of life for your members
Who is eligible for a scan:
- Men 40 and older every 3 years
- Women 50 and older every 3 years
- Anyone below the recommended ages with a Letter of Medical Necessity
What Are the Symptoms of Lung Cancer?
Many people with lung cancer don’t have symptoms until the disease is in its later stages. Because there are very few nerve endings in the lungs, a tumor could grow without causing pain or discomfort. When symptoms are present, they are different in each person, but may include:
- A cough that doesn’t go away and gets worse over time
- Constant chest pain
- Shortness of breath or wheezing
- Frequent lung infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia
- Coughing up blood
Some symptoms of lung cancer may not seem related to the lungs or breathing. These symptoms can still be a sign of lung cancer because lung cancer usually does not cause symptoms in its earlier stages. This means some symptoms do not appear until the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Some of these symptoms may include:
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Bone pain or fractures
- Blood clots
Schedule a scan or see your doctor right away if you notice any of these symptoms.
If you would like to schedule your free lung scan click here.
Some people, unfortunately, go misdiagnosed for a long time because their symptoms are similar to other diagnoses such as pneumonia, allergies or a cold. If you feel that something is wrong, be persistent with your doctor. You know your body best and being persistent could save your life.