Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the US, yet if detected early, its survival rates drastically improve. An unfortunate truth about lung cancer is it doesn’t commonly cause symptoms until the cancer is more advanced, however some people with early lung cancer may experience symptoms. If you go to your doctor when you first notice symptoms, your cancer may be diagnosed at an earlier stage, when treatment is more likely to be effective.
Below is a list of common lung cancer symptoms:
- A cough that doesn’t go away or gets worse
- Coughing up blood or rust-colored sputum (spit or phlegm)
- Chest pain that is often worse with deep breathing, coughing or laughing
- Hoarseness
- Weight loss and loss of appetite
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling tired or weak
- Infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia that don’t go away or keep coming back
- New onset of wheezing
Screening
At MMH, we offer a lung cancer screening program. You may be eligible for this program if you:
- Are between the ages of 50-77 and in fairly good health
- Have at least a 20 pack-year smoking history (Number of packs of cigarettes per day multiplied by the number of years smoked.)
- Are currently a smoker or have quit sometime in the last 15 years
If you qualify for the program, you will be scheduled to receive a low-dose CT screening. Our lung cancer team will review the results from your screening and develop a personalized plan. Lung cancer screening is covered by most insurance programs including Medicare for eligible patients. If your insurance does not cover the screening, we offer a self-pay rate. To learn more, call 812.933.3776.