Lung Cancer

WHEN TO GET SCREENED

• Age 50 – 80 years
• Asymptomatic (no signs or symptoms of lung cancer)
• Tobacco smoking history of at least 20 pack-years (one pack-year = smoking one pack per day for one year; 1 pack = 20 cigarettes)
• Current smoker or one who has quit smoking within the last 15 years
• Receives a written order for LDCT lung cancer screening

For eligibility and more information, please call to schedule a lung cancer screening.

• Baton Rouge and Gonzales: (225) 230-2525
• Covington: (888) 616-4687
• Houma: (985) 850-6052

RISK FACTORS:

Risk factors for lung cancer include smoking and secondhand smoke, radon and asbestos exposure and pollution. In addition, family history, cancer history and history of COPD or Pulmonary Fibrosis could put you at greater risk. High Risk Status Screenings are recommended for ages 55-74 with a smoking history of 30 pack years or more and less than 15 years of smoking cessation; and ages 50 or older with a smoking history of minimum 20 pack years with at least one additional risk factor other than secondhand smoke.

SYMPTOMS:

Some signs of lung cancer may include a cough that does not go away or gets worse, coughing up blood or rust-colored sputum (spit or phlegm), new onset of wheezing or chest pain that is often worse with deep breathing, coughing, or laughing. Other symptoms could be hoarseness, weight loss and loss of appetite, shortness of breath or feeling tired or weak, or infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia that don’t go away or keep coming back. Source: cancer.org