Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States and worldwide. Approximately 85% of lung cancer occurs in current or former tobacco smokers.

Lung cancer risk factors include: smoking tobacco; exposure to radon, asbestos or other cancer-causing agents; family history of lung cancer; personal history of a smoking related cancer; certain chronic lung diseases. Learn more about lung cancer.

Eligibility for screening

Individuals at an increased risk of developing lung cancer should meet the following criteria:

• 55-77 years old with 30 pack years smoking history*
• Current smoker or one who has quit within the last 15 years
• No symptoms of lung cancer and willing and able to undergo treatment if necessary

*Pack years = years smoked X average packs/day smoked

Potential Screening Benefits: Effective research-proven screening exam; early diagnosis which can lead to improved outcomes; non-invasive testing; decreased radiation exposure.

Potential Screening Risks: False positive test results; false negative test results; finding late-stage cancer; over-treatment including additional tests or procedures; radiation exposure.

GO2

The Prisma Health Cancer Institute’s Center for Integrative Oncology and Survivorship (CIOS) has been named a Screening Center of Excellence by GO2 for its ongoing commitment to responsible lung cancer screening. This center is one of five in the state of South Carolina and one of only 250 nationally recognized sites.

Learn more or schedule a screening by calling Prisma Health’ss Center for Integrative Oncology and Survivorship (CIOS) at 864-455-1346 or Lung Center at 864-454-4200 or clicking here.