HEALTH & WELLNESS
Don’t let fear get in the way of
your lung cancer screening
Fear of the unknown often dictates how we respond to scary situations. Fear that we won’t succeed,
fear that we won’t be accepted
and fear of bad news may cause
an emotional paralysis. But that
fear can hinder us. When it comes
to lung cancer, or the suspicion
of lung cancer, we have seen this fear hold patients back from
screening. But it is important to know that when lung cancer is
found early, there is a better chance of successful treatment and
maintaining a good quality of life.
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, and the American Cancer Society reports lung cancer is the second most common cancer in both men and women. It is the leading cause of
cancer deaths (in smokers and non-smokers). Additionally, one
in 13 men and one in 16 women will be diagnosed with lung
cancer in their lifetime. As we turn our focus to lung cancer this
month, it’s time to stand up, fight our fears and get screened for
lung cancer.
Early lung cancers often come with no symptoms. That’s why
early detection is key. According to the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force, low-dose lung CT screenings are recommend-
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NEW JERSEY COPS
■ NOVEMBER 2016
ed annually for people who:
• Are between the ages of 55 and 77.
• Have a 30-pack year history of smoking. (A “pack year”
is smoking an average of one pack per day for a full year.
For example, if you smoked two packs per day for 15
years, that would be considered a 30-pack year history.)
If you are unsure if screening is right for you, speak with your
physician. If screening is not the best option at the moment,
and while lung cancer cannot be prevented fully, there are several ways to reduce your risk of lung cancer, including:
• Stop smoking or exposing yourself to secondhand
smoke. If you are having trouble quitting smoking, seek
out a cessation program.
• Eat a diet low in animal fat, with a large focus on fruits
and vegetables.
• Maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly.
• Avoid exposing yourself to environmental toxins such as
radon and asbestos.
We encourage you to break through the fear of the unknown
and consider being screened for lung cancer this month and
beyond. After all, screenings can save lives. d
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