Are you a smoker or use tobacco and scared about lung cancer? Or have you quit, but still worry about the toll on health? According to the American Cancer Society, in 2012, about 42 million Americans used tobacco products – ranging from cigarettes, to cigars, e-cigarettes, hookahs, and chews or spit tobacco. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among men and women in the United States. Every year, it claims more lives than colon, breast, ovarian, and prostate cancers combined.
The risks associated with tobacco are high – the highest being lung cancer. For former and current tobacco users, The Lung Center at Hillcrest offers state-of-the-art lung cancer screenings in Tulsa and Claremore.
Wondering if you’re a candidate? If you are a former or current smoker, 55-80 years old and have a smoking history of at least 30 pack-years (one pack a day for 30 years, two packs a day for 15, etc.), then you have the highest risk for lung cancer. Although each person has a different risk for lung cancer, it is still important to be screened. If you do not meet these criteria, talk to your physician to learn more about lung cancer screenings available for you.
If lung cancer screening is not currently a covered benefit with your insurance carrier, the cost of the screening is $99. While you are responsible for paying this fee, Medicare and many private insurance companies are considering paying for it in the near future. The Lung Center at Hillcrest staff can help you determine if this is a covered benefit with your insurance plan. And will carefully and clearly explain all costs that you may possibly have if the results of the CT scan show that you should have additional procedures.
The best way to prevent lung cancer is to avoid smoking or to stop smoking all together. If you continue to smoke, talk to your physician so that you can both agree on a plan to help you quit smoking. Visit The Lung Center at Hillcrest or call 918-579-3627 for more information.