Men’s Health Month and Lung Cancer Screening

Men are statistically less likely than women to visit the doctor for routine health exams, which may contribute to the fact that men, on average, live five years less than women. Annual health checks are crucial for maintaining good health at any age and even more important as you get older when screenings for various cancers are recommended.

Prostate, lung, and colorectal cancers are the three most common cancers in men, accounting for an estimated half of all new cancer cases in men. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in America, but now there's hope. Screening is used to detect lung cancer early, when it is more likely to be curable. The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends annual screening for lung cancer with low-dose computed tomography in adults aged 50 to 80 years who have a 20-pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years.

“As oncologists, our hope is not to find cancer, but if we do, our goal is to detect it early,” saidat New York Cancer & Blood Specialists (NYCBS). “Early detection increases the chances of successful treatment and achieving a cure.”

NYCBS offers a comprehensive lung cancer screening program that provides low-dose lung CT screening to current and former smokers at risk of developing lung cancer. While smoking remains the primary risk factor, exposure to chemicals, asbestos, or second-hand smoke, amongst others, may increase your risk. Consult your doctor if you notice a new-onset cough, worsening shortness of breath, blood in sputum, chest pain, unintentional weight loss, or excessive fatigue. 

“Targeted therapy has revolutionized lung cancer treatment, offering personalized approaches based on specific genetic mutations,” said Dr. Syali. “While this innovation highlights the rapid advancement in technology and medicine, we still have a long way to go in ensuring universal access to early detection and tailored treatment."

If you meet the eligibility criteria and would like to have a lung cancer screening CT, please discuss with your physician or call us at 1-833-CANCER9.