Lung Cancer And Health Awareness: LCAM.org · American Cancer Society · Risk Factors ·
Great American Smokeout: Nov. 21 · New Jersey Quitline: 866 657 8677 · CDC.gov · Donate
Quitting smoking isn’t easy. It takes time. And a plan. You don’t have to stop smoking in one day. Start with day one. Let the Great American Smokeout event be your day to start your journey toward a smoke-free life. You’ll be joining thousands of people who smoke across the country in taking an important step toward a healthier life and reducing your cancer risk. Plus, the American Cancer Society can help you access the resources and support you need to quit.
The American Cancer Society (ACS) has a lung cancer screening guideline for people with a higher risk of getting lung cancer that is based on the National Lung Screening Trial. The main benefit of screening is a lower chance of dying from lung cancer, which accounts for many deaths in current and former smokers. Still, it’s important to be aware that, as with any type of screening, not everyone who gets screened will benefit. Screening with LDCT will not find all lung cancers, and not all of the cancers that are found will be found early.
The ACS recommends yearly lung cancer screening with LDCT scans for people who are 55 to 74 years old, are in fairly good health, and who also meet the following conditions:
Are current smokers or smokers who have quit in the past 15 years
and have at least a 30 pack-year smoking history. (This is the number of years you smoked multiplied by the number of packs of cigarettes per day. For example, someone who smoked 2 packs per day for 15 years [2 x 15 = 30] has 30 pack-years of smoking. A person who smoked 1 pack per day for 30 years [1 x 30 = 30] also has 30 pack-years of smoking.)
and receive counseling to quit smoking if they are current smokers.
and have been told by their doctor about the possible benefits, limits, and harms of screening with LDCT scans.
and have a facility where they can go that has experience in lung cancer screening and treatment.