Understanding lung cancer
Prevention & Screening
Early detection of lung cancer can save your life. If it’s caught in stage 1, the cure rate is about 70 percent. Delaying a diagnosis makes lung cancer much harder to treat. We offer low-dose CT lung cancer screenings covered by Medicare and many insurance plans if you meet the following:
- You are between 55 and 77 years old.
- You have a 30 pack-year history of smoking or more (this means 1 pack a day for 30 years, 2 packs a day for 15 years, etc).
- You are a current smoker or have quit within the last 15 years.
Screenings are available to detect lung cancer and may even identify other underlying health problems, like emphysema.
At Baptist MD Anderson, we believe that prevention of risk factors that are in our control is equally as important as getting screened. Our dedicated, empathetic team will work with you in every step to assist you in the process.
Lung, chest & esophageal cancer
Managing Your Risks
Although lung, chest and esophageal cancer can happen to anyone, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of these diseases:
- Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke
- Get your home tested for radon
- Avoid exposure to asbestos
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Control Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- Eat a nutritious diet
- Exercise regularly
Lung, chest & esophageal cancer
Types of Screening Tests
There are different types of screening for different types of cancers. We recommend lung cancer screenings for individuals between the ages of 55 and 77 with a history of smoking, including current smokers and those who have quit within the last 15 years.
When to get screened
We recommend lung cancer screenings for individuals between the ages of 55 and 77 with a history of smoking, including current smokers and those who have quit within the last 15 years.
If you have smoked one pack per day for 30 years, or two packs a day for 15 years, ask your doctor about getting a lung cancer screening test, which is covered by most insurances.
Lung cancer risk factors include:
- Smoking
- Second-hand smoke
- Exposure to radon or asbestos
- Personal or family history of lung cancer
Esophageal cancer risk factors include:
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Barrett’s esophagus
- Use of tobacco products
- Obesity
- Achalasia
Contact Us
If you have any questions, we have you covered. We have nurse navigators available to guide you through every step of your care. Request an appointment or speak to a nurse navigator by phone or online.
Our Location
Lung & Thoracic Cancer Clinic
Within our specialized, multidisciplinary clinics, we bring together our team of experts to care for your mind, body and spirit - all under one roof. Each of our clinics are singularly focused on your specific needs and treatment.
Need Directions? The lung and thoracic cancer clinic is located in the main Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center on Floor 6 of our cancer center.
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Early detection is critical when it comes to lung cancer. If it’s caught at stage 1, the cure rate is about 70 percent.
— JOHN VU, MD, Medical Oncologist
Are you at risk of developing lung cancer? Early detection can save your life. If you’re concerned about your lung cancer risk, please consider screening.