More people die of lung cancer each year in the United States than any other type of cancer, yet when it’s caught early, there are more treatment options and higher survival rates. In fact, annual screening with CT scans can detect lung cancers in their earliest stage, and up to 90 percent can be cured.

If you have a prescription from your doctor for a CT lung cancer screening, call to schedule one today. If you believe you are at risk for lung cancer, find out if you are eligible for a screening.

^* Beaumont call center is open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Patients who choose a Beaumont lung cancer doctor are treated by a team including cancer specialists who are among the most highly-skilled and best-trained medical professionals in the world. The cancer specialists and sub-specialists at Beaumont work collaboratively to provide the best in personalized care. Our experience and expertise helps diagnose and treat even the most difficult types of cancer.

The coordinated lung cancer care offered by Beaumont experts such as thoracic surgeons, radiation oncologists and medical oncologists is constantly updated as research reveals new approaches to therapy.

Beaumont is nationally recognized for successful treatment of cancers using the latest technologies. Patients have access to the latest state-of-the-art treatment and clinical trials.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. In fact, lung cancer kills more Americans than colon, breast and prostate cancers combined. For men, the average lifetime chance of developing lung cancer is 1 in 13, but for smokers the risk is even higher.

There are two major types of lung cancer – non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer. Non-small cell lung cancer is more common than small cell lung cancer.

Lung cancer usually does not cause symptoms when it first develops, but they often become present after the tumor begins growing. A cough is the most common symptom of lung cancer. Other symptoms include:

• Constant chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Recurring lung infections, such as pneumonia or bronchitis
• Bloody or rust colored sputum
• Hoarseness
• Swelling of the neck and face caused by a tumor that presses on large blood vessels near the lung
• Pain and weakness in the shoulder, arm, or hand caused by a tumor that presses on certain nerves near the lung
• Fever for unknown reason

Patients who meet the guidelines developed by the National Lung Screening Trial and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network are eligible for a CT lung cancer screening, with a written order from a physician. This screening program involves having an annual chest CT scan for three years.

Eligible participants must meet the following criteria:

• Individuals between 55 and 77
• Current smoker, with at least a 30-pack-year smoking history (one “pack year” is equal to the number of packs smoked a day times the number of years of smoking)
• Former smoker, with at least a 30-pack-year smoking history and quit within the last 15 years
• Cannot have any current respiratory symptoms, such as breathing issues or new cough

If your doctor has prescribed a CT lung cancer screening, call 800-328-8542 to schedule. If you do not have a prescription, please talk to your doctor.