VA prioritizes lung Cancer screening in November
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, and this year, the Cincinnati VA Medical Center (VAMC) is placing a special emphasis on educating Veterans about lung cancer screening.
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among Veterans, and screening can be lifesaving because lung cancer is most treatable when caught early.
You might be eligible for lung cancer screening if you:
- Are 50-80 years old
- Smoke cigarettes now or quit within the past 15 years
- Have a smoking history of at least 20 pack-years (this means 1 pack per day for 20 years or 2 packs a day for 10 years, etc.)
According to the National Center for Lung Cancer Screening[1], VA’s “approach to lung cancer screening has increased systematic and equitable access to lung cancer screening processes and led to a high adherence rate to follow-up recommendations. The impact of shifting from diagnosing lung cancer in late stages, which carries a high mortality rate, to early-stage lung cancer, which is curable, is significant in the lives of these Veterans.”
In partnership with the American Cancer Society National Lung Cancer Roundtable, American College of Radiology, GO2 for Lung Cancer, and Radiology Healthy Equity Coalition, VA encourages Veterans to discuss LCS with their health care provider. Visit My HealtheVet to send a message or make an appointment to talk to your VA provider about lung cancer screening.
For more information about lung cancer screening, check The Facts About Lung Cancer Screening - YouTube. Veterans are also invited to stop by the Cincinnati VAMC lobby on Nov. 16, between 8 a.m. and noon, to learn more about lung cancer screening and smoking cessation.
[1] VA Diffusion Marketplace, National Center for Lung Cancer Screening (NCLCS)(2022): Diffusion Marketplace (va.gov)