Lung cancer is the number one cancer killer in America. Testing can detect signs of lung cancer early, and help protect the health of smokers or former smokers.
Low-Dose CT Scans (LDCT)
Low-dose CT scans use low-intensity radiation to make detailed images of your lungs and reveal signs of lung cancer early.
Early detection can find problems before you notice any cancer symptoms. When you can treat cancer earlier, treatment can be more successful.
Most insurance pays for recommended lung cancer screening tests.
Who Should Be Screened
If you have a history of heavy smoking, you are eligible for LDCT screening. Annual screening is recommended if:
- You are 50 to 80 years old,
- and you currently smoke, or have quit within the last 15 years,
- and you smoked an average of a 2 packs a day for 10 years. (The average number of packs smoked per day multiplied by the number of years you smoked is at least 20.)
Where to Find Screening
If you are thinking about getting screened, talk to your doctor. If lung cancer screening is right for you, your doctor can refer you to a high-quality screening facility.
Low-Dose CT facilities are available nationwide as well as in Mississippi.
Even if you have quit smoking, you can develop lung cancer. Low-dose CT scans can help detect lung cancer whether you are a current or a former smoker.
All Smoking Raises Your Cancer Risk
Cigarette smoking is the number one risk factor for lung cancer, but other tobacco products such as cigars or pipes also increase your risk for lung cancer. The longer you smoke, the greater your risk.
Free Help Quitting
Free, personalized help with quitting is available at no charge to Mississippians through the Tobacco Quitline — open 7 days a week.
1-800-QUIT-NOW
(1-800-784-8669)
A personalized quit plan from the Quitline, plus feedback from a professional counselor helps you meet your goal faster. Visit the Quitline to learn more about the services it can offer, and to get started today.
Quitting smoking has immediate benefits to your health, and lowers your risk of heart disease and cancer over time.
