Lung cancer is often called the “silent killer” for a reason—it can develop for years without noticeable symptoms, only becoming apparent when it reaches advanced stages. By then, treatment options may be limited, and the prognosis less favorable. What’s even more alarming is that lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, surpassing breast, prostate, and colon cancers combined. Each year, over 230,000 new cases of lung cancer are diagnosed in the U.S. alone, with more than 125,000 fatalities (American Cancer Society).
Despite these grim statistics, there is hope. Early detection through lung cancer screening can reduce the risk of death by as much as 20%. At Newport Mesa Pulmonary, our dedicated team of experts is committed to improving these odds through advanced lung cancer screening services. By detecting lung cancer at its most treatable stage, we offer patients the opportunity to take control of their health before it’s too late.
Why Is Lung Cancer Screening So Important?
Lung cancer often progresses silently, meaning symptoms like persistent cough, chest pain, or shortness of breath typically don’t appear until the disease is already in an advanced state. Unfortunately, when lung cancer is diagnosed late, survival rates drop dramatically. The five-year survival rate for early-stage lung cancer is around 60%, but it falls to just 6% for those with late-stage disease.
That’s why early detection is critical. Lung cancer screening, especially for high-risk individuals, offers the best chance of catching cancer early, when treatment is more effective and the likelihood of a cure is significantly higher. Newport Mesa Pulmonary uses state-of-the-art low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) technology, which provides detailed images of the lungs, allowing for early detection of any abnormalities or growths before symptoms even appear.
Who Should Consider Lung Cancer Screening?
Lung cancer screening isn’t for everyone, but it is highly recommended for those at increased risk. If you meet the following criteria, screening could be a potentially life-saving measure:
- You are between 50 and 80 years old.
- You have a smoking history of at least 20 pack-years.
- You are either a current smoker or have quit smoking within the last 15 years.
At Newport Mesa Pulmonary, our specialists are here to assess your individual risk factors, walk you through the screening process, and provide you with the care and support you need. Don’t worry—our compassionate team is with you every step of the way, ensuring you understand the process and feel confident in your decision to take control of your lung health. If you have questions or concerns, contact us today.
What Is a Pack-Year?
Understanding your smoking history is crucial in determining your risk for lung cancer. A pack-year is a simple calculation: it refers to smoking an average of one pack of cigarettes per day for one year. For example, if you smoked one pack per day for 20 years, you have a 20 pack-year history. If you smoked two packs a day for 10 years, you also have a 20 pack-year history. This metric helps healthcare providers assess your overall exposure to smoking, which is directly linked to your lung cancer risk.
How Does Lung Cancer Screening Work?
Lung cancer screening at Newport Mesa Pulmonary involves a non-invasive LDCT scan. Unlike a standard X-ray, the LDCT uses low doses of radiation to create detailed images of the lungs, helping to identify any abnormal growths that may be cancerous. The procedure is quick, painless, and highly effective in detecting early-stage lung cancer.
What to Expect During and After Screening
- Cause: Lung cancer involves the formation of malignant tumors, while ILD is characterized by scarring and thickening of the lung tissue. The origins of each condition also vary—lung cancer is often linked to carcinogenic exposure (like smoking), while ILD may be caused by autoimmune diseases, environmental exposures, or unknown factors.
- Symptoms: Both diseases can cause shortness of breath and chronic cough, but lung cancer is more likely to result in coughing up blood and chest pain, while ILD symptoms typically focus on breathlessness and a dry, persistent cough.
- Diagnosis: Detecting lung cancer usually involves imaging studies like chest X-rays and CT scans, followed by biopsies to confirm cancerous growths. ILD diagnosis often requires pulmonary function tests, high-resolution CT scans, and sometimes a lung biopsy to assess the extent of scarring.
The Importance of Early Detection
Lung cancer screening at Newport Mesa Pulmonary is a non-invasive, quick, and highly effective way to detect early-stage lung cancer. The screening process involves a low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scan, which uses a minimal amount of radiation to create detailed, cross-sectional images of your lungs.
Unlike a traditional X-ray, the LDCT scan is far more sensitive, allowing us to identify smaller abnormalities, including early-stage cancers that might otherwise go undetected. This technology has been proven to save lives by catching cancer when it’s still small and treatable.
The procedure itself is simple and painless. You will lie on a table that moves through the CT scanner, and within just a few minutes, the machine will capture images of your lungs. There is no need for special preparation, and you can return to your regular activities immediately after the scan.
Reducing Your Risk of Lung Cancer
Screening is a powerful tool for early detection, but prevention is always the most effective approach. The number one cause of lung cancer is smoking, which is responsible for approximately 85% of cases. Quitting smoking is the most significant step you can take to lower your risk of developing lung cancer.
At Newport Mesa Pulmonary, we understand that quitting smoking can be incredibly challenging. That’s why we offer a range of smoking cessation resources, from counseling and support groups to medications and therapies designed to help you break free from nicotine addiction. Our team is here to support you in taking control of your lung health and reducing your risk of lung cancer.
Even if you’ve already quit smoking, lung cancer screening remains vital for those who are at high risk due to a history of smoking. Early detection can make the difference between a difficult battle with advanced cancer and an early diagnosis with more treatment options.
Trust Newport Mesa Pulmonary for Your Lung Health
At Newport Mesa Pulmonary, our mission is to provide each patient with compassionate, expert care in all aspects of lung health. Our team of board-certified pulmonologists has extensive experience in the early detection and treatment of lung cancer. We use cutting-edge technology, including LDCT scans, to ensure the most accurate diagnoses and the best possible outcomes for our patients.
We believe that early intervention is key to improving lung cancer survival rates, and we’re proud to offer advanced lung cancer screening as part of our comprehensive pulmonary services. Our warm, caring staff will guide you through every step, from screening to diagnosis to treatment, ensuring you feel supported and empowered.
Ready to Take Action?
If you’re at high risk for lung cancer, don’t wait. Early detection can save your life. At Newport Mesa Pulmonary, we’re ready to help you take the first step in protecting your lung health. Book an appointment today and start the conversation about lung cancer screening. Your lungs—and your health—deserve the best care possible
