Lung cancer screening: What every Tennessean needs to know

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in Tennessee. However, screening can cut death rates by one-fifth.

While screening can slash lung cancer mortality rates in high-risk people by one-fifth, the particular type of screening is key. In this case, low-dose CT screenings are the gold standard. These CT scans take low-dose X-rays, which are safe and effective, to create 3-D images of your lungs. Other types of  screenings have not been proven to reduce lung cancer mortality rates. Insurance and Medicare now cover this annual test for qualifying individuals. Be armed with these lung cancer statistics and talk with your doctor about whether lung screening is appropriate for you.

Smoking, Lungs