Lung Cancer Screening and Prevention

Importance of Lung Cancer Screening Symptoms of lung cancer include constant chest pain; shortness of breath; recurring lung infections, such as pneumonia or bronchitis; bloody or rust-colored sputum; swelling of the neck and face; pain and weakness in the shoulder, arm, or hand; and a fever for unknown reasons. Adults ages 50 to 80 who have a 20 pack-year smoking history and currently smoke, or have quit within the past 15 years, are the most likely to develop lung cancer. Additionally, some people may inherit DNA mutations from their parents that reduces the ability to break down or remove certain types of cancer-causing chemicals in the body, such as those found in tobacco smoke, putting them at higher risk for lung cancer. Lung cancer is the deadliest cancer in the United States killing more people every year than breast, colon and prostate cancers combined. Should you be screened for lung cancer? Take our free online Lung Cancer Risk Assessment   What to Expect Our coordinated center in Fairfax offers disease expertise on cancer and prevention as we work through your health risk assessment. We will create a customized plan based on your risk level to incorporate screenings, education, prevention and overall wellness. We offer the latest technology for our screenings and procedures to make sure you are taken care of on every level. The Inova Health System Lung Cancer Screening program is designed to detect cancer in its earliest, most treatable stage. Annual lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) is recommended for those adults described above. LDCT technology uses less ionizing radiation than a conventional CT scan. Data from the National Lung Screening Trial showed that screening with LDCT decreased the risk of dying from lung cancer in current and heavy smokers. The goal of lung cancer screening is to save lives. If you are at a higher risk of developing lung cancer, LDCT may detect early lung cancer before symptoms appear and help lower the patient’s risk of death.   Possible Outcomes Patients to the Inova Saville Cancer Screening and Prevention Center have access to advanced medical technology including navigational bronchoscopy and endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS), cutting-edge clinical trials, and world-class surgeons who regularly perform complex thoracic surgeries. Should cancer be detected, our multidisciplinary team of board certified interventional pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons and thoracic medical and radiation oncologists work hand-in-hand to coordinate and manage your care. If a screening test result is abnormal you will likely need additional follow up tests. This may include a follow up LDCT scan, a PET scan or a biopsy. Even if the screening test does not identify nodules that require follow up, if you are at high-risk for lung cancer, you will be asked to return yearly for scans. Genetic Screening If you have a family history of cancer, there is a likelihood you may be genetically predisposed. Our specialists will explain the complex medical information and implications of genetic testing to you.