Early Detection and Intervention Improve Survival Rate for Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death and the second most common cancer diagnosis in both men and women. When lung cancer is detected early, patients have more treatment options. The UPMC Lung Cancer Screening program offers patients the advanced imaging and robust technology that enhances early detection and increases lung cancer survival rates.
“ Early diagnosis is critical,” says Ryan Levy, MD, chief of thoracic surgery at UPMC Passavant and thoracic surgeon with UPMC Hillman Cancer Center.“ When lung cancer is detected at an earlier stage, we’ re more often able to offer our patients curative treatment options— meaning patients have better outcomes and improved long-term survival.”
Screening for Lung Cancer with Low-Dose CT Scans
UPMC is a pioneer in using low-dose CT scans to screen for lung cancer as part of the Pittsburgh Lung Screening Study. The study’ s findings contributed to U. S. Preventive Services Taskforce recommendations for people with a high risk of developing lung cancer to have regular screenings.
Eligible patients for lung cancer screening must be:
• Age 50 to 77.
• At least a 20 pack-year smoker. A pack-year is the number of packs of cigarettes per day times the number of years smoked.
• Current smoker, or a former smoker who has quit within the past 15 years.
• Symptom-free of lung cancer, including coughing up blood and chest pain.
Lung cancer screening is available at UPMC locations in southwest Pennsylvania, including UPMC Passavant – McCandless and UPMC Passavant – Cranberry. A doctor’ s referral is required for screening.
Advanced Technology to Find Lung Cancer
In addition to screenings, technology that helps doctors navigate the smallest areas of the lungs to find the tiniest cancers is available nearby.