Healthline Today: Lung Cancer

In this week's Healthline Today, Dr. Jim Lenhart talks about new guidelines for screening patients at risk for lung cancer.

Here's some good news on a dreaded disease. I'm talking about lung cancer. Individuals aged 55 to 74 years who have smoked 1 pack or more cigarettes per day for 30 or more years, should be screened annually for the lung cancer with a procedure called low dose computed tomography also known as Spiral CT.

That's right. People who fit the profile I have described are at high risk for getting lung cancer and these hot off the press guidelines from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network set a new standard for
screening.

Why?

Spiral CT can detect lung cancer at its very earliest stages and therefore holds the promise to save lives through early detection and intervention. The NCCN recommendations hold true even if patients have stopped smoking within the past 15 years. Of course the National Comprehensive Cancer Network urges smoking-cessation as an integral part of the screening and intervention process. And speaking of quitting smoking here are my recommendations.

First commit to quit. Contrary to what many smokers believe smoking is not a friend, it kills just as certain as I'm sitting here. So commit to quit. Second see your doctor, discuss your addiction and request a prescription for Chantix. In my experience as a family doctor, Chantix is the only medication that helps break the habit once smokers have resolved to quit. Take a moment to Google Chantix. You'll find the manufacturer has an entire program as well as a support system to help you kick the addiction.

So what are you waiting for?

Finally, these words from one of America's truly great men, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr
"Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health care is the most shocking and inhumane."

For comments or questions email me drjim@drjimshealthline.com, then Be Healthy! Be Happy! And I'll see you next time on Healthline Today.

(DISCLAIMER): Opinions on this station and the web of Dr. Jim Lenhart are educational and informational
and are not a diagnosis, treatment or substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a physician or health care professional for your health or medical needs.