November is Lung Cancer Awareness month, and officials say it is a good time to get screened.
According to the Lung Association, Illinois ranks as 16th worst in the country for new lung cancer cases. Data from the Illinois Department of Public Health shows lung cancer is the leading cause of death and is the third most common cancer in the state.
Kristina Hamilton, Lung Association’s director for Advocacy for Illinois, said the screening rate for those at high-risk for lung cancer is less than 6%.
“It is really important that we spread awareness so that we can increase that screening rate because if people are able to catch lung cancer earlier, it is easier to treat and they are more likely to survive the disease,” said Hamilton.
If lung cancer is caught before it spreads, the likelihood of surviving five years or more improves to 63%.
Hamilton said there are other causes of lung cancer other than smoking, including radon.
“An odorless, colorless gas that naturally occurs in the ground and can be captured in buildings and homes,” Hamilton said. “Genetics, air pollution, occupational hazards, family history.”
John Anderson III is a lung cancer survivor who went to the doctor for an unrelated ailment.
“I went in for a shoulder injury and they found a mass on my left lung,” said Anderson. “The idea is to catch it so it can be treated.”
The Lung Association is offering lung screenings for Illinois residents. If a resident qualifies for a lung screening, the Lung Association will help them find where to go for a lung scan plus arrange a ride to the site if necessary.
Program participants can call a Lung Health Navigator at 844-ALA-LUNG to find out if they are eligible for a screening.
Nov. 9 is National Lung Cancer Screening Day when numerous screening facilities across the state will serve those who can’t take time off work.