Lung cancer is the among deadliest cancers in the United States, claiming the lives of more than 130,000 people each year, according to the CDC. West Virginians are among the most at risk, making awareness, screening and early intervention essential. Compared to other cancers, lung cancer has a significantly lower five-year survival rate—but when caught early, before it spreads, that outlook can improve dramatically.
At Marshall Health, we are committed to changing these odds through expert diagnosis, advanced treatment and a compassionate, team-based approach to care.
If you think you may be at risk, talk to your doctor about screening options.
Lung cancer often does not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages. As the disease progresses, symptoms may include:
If any of these symptoms last more than a few weeks, consult your provider.
Several factors can increase your chance of developing lung cancer:
The most common type of testing used to diagnose lung cancer is a low dose radiation scan, commonly known as a CT (“CAT”) scan. During this test, pulmonary nodules may be detected. Nodules don’t always mean cancer. They can be caused by other diseases, trauma, scar tissue or past infections. Most often the next step is to wait a few months to a year to determine whether the nodule is growing. If it is, then your doctor may recommend a PET scan or biopsy to determine whether it is cancerous.
A biopsy can be done in different ways.
Treatment varies based on the individual’s overall health and preferences as well as the stage at which they are diagnosed. Options include:
Exercise and preventing infections that can impact your lungs are ways you can improve your overall lung health. Steps to reduce your risk of lung cancer include:
The American Cancer Society recommends yearly screenings for individuals between the ages of 50 and 80 who smoke or used to AND a 20 pack-year history of smoking. (This could equate to a pack a day over 20 years or two packs a day over 10 years.) Individuals who think they made be at risk due to other factors should consult their doctor about being screened.
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Locations:
1305 Elm Street
Huntington, WV 25701
Phone: 304.399.2881