Early Detection Is Key
November 18, 2024
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among both men and women in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Each year, more people die of lung cancer than of colon, breast and prostate cancers combined, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). Raising awareness about lung cancer is crucial to improving prevention, early detection and treatment outcomes.
Dr. Nikalesh Reddy, a board-certified general surgeon who specializes in minimally invasive general surgery with a special emphasis on lung cancer surgery at Manatee Memorial Hospital, provides information on lung cancer detection and treatment.
What are the types of lung cancer?
Lung cancer originates in the tissues of the lungs, typically in the cells lining the air passages. It is broadly categorized into two main types: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). NSCLC is the most common type, accounting for about 85% of all cases, while SCLC, though less common, tends to be more aggressive and fast-growing.
What causes lung cancer?
The major cause of lung cancer is tobacco smoking, responsible for approximately 85% of cases. The risk increases with the duration and intensity of smoking. However, lung cancer is not exclusive to smokers; non-smokers can also develop the disease due to factors such as secondhand smoke, exposure to radon gas, asbestos, air pollution and genetic predisposition.
Why is early detection so important?
Lung cancer symptoms often do not appear until the disease is advanced, making early detection challenging. Common symptoms include a persistent cough, coughing up blood, chest pain, shortness of breath, hoarseness, unexplained weight loss and recurrent respiratory infections.
Increasing awareness leads to more people recognizing the symptoms of lung cancer and seeking medical advice sooner. Early detection significantly improves the chances of successful treatment and survival. Regular screenings can lead to earlier diagnoses and better outcomes.
How is lung cancer detected?
Regular screenings, such as low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, are vital for high-risk individuals, particularly long-term smokers aged 55-80. Manatee Memorial Hospital offers early lung cancer screenings and the ability to not only detect cancer early, but provide advanced robotic approaches to lung cancer surgery.
Lung screening designations
Manatee Memorial Hospital has been designated a Lung Cancer Screening Center by the American College of Radiology (ACR). The ACR Lung Cancer Screening Center designation is a voluntary program that recognizes facilities that have committed to practice safe, effective diagnostic care for individuals at the highest risk for lung cancer.
Manatee Memorial Hospital's Lung Institute has been named a Screening Center of Excellence by the Lung Cancer Alliance for its ongoing commitment to responsible lung cancer screening. Low dose CT screening for lung cancer carried out safely, efficiently and equitably saves tens of thousands of lives a year.