November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month.

Pulmonologist Gerard Matysik tells KNIA/KRLS News that lung cancer develops from two main sources — smoking and radon. Matysik says they have a screening program available at Pella Regional Health Center targeting heavy smokers.

If someone meets the following criteria for a high lung cancer risk, they are eligible to get a low-dose CT scan at Pella Regional:

-Between the ages of 55 and 80
-Currently smoke or quit within last 15 years Smoking history of 30 years or more (an average of one pack a day for 30 years or two packs a day for 15 years, etc.)
-Those who don’t meet the criteria and are concerned about the financial aspects of a screening, contact one of a patient advocates to walk through the decision-making process

According to the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer, the disease accounts for about 27 percent of all cancer deaths and is by far the leading cause of cancer death among both men and women. Each year, more people die of lung cancer than of colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined. Hear more about Lung Cancer Awareness Month on today’s In Depth with Dr. Bob Leonard.
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