From an interview with
Dr. Herbie Bryan
McLeod Pulmonology and Critical Care

Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, more so than breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers combined. In fact, one in 16 people in the US will be diagnosed with lung cancer in their lifetime. In the most recent statistics shared by the CDC, more than 3,800 cases of lung cancer were reported in South Carolina in 2020.

People who smoke have the greatest risk of lung cancer, though lung cancer can also occur in people who have never smoked. That risk increases with the length of time and number of cigarettes you’ve smoked. Other causes of lung cancer include exposure to secondhand smoke and certain toxins, as well as family history.

There are many different types of lung cancer, but two of the most prevalent are non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer. Unlike other diseases that have early warning signs, lung cancer typically doesn’t cause symptoms in its earliest stages; those usually occur when the disease is advanced, making it harder to treat.

At McLeod, we are pleased to offer a lung cancer screening program that utilizes low dose CT scanning to screen high-risk individuals for lung cancer. A lung CT scan can detect tiny spots or nodules on the lungs years before they may be seen on a regular chest x-ray. Early detection leads to early treatment and better health outcomes.

Who should be screened?

As of 2021, the United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends lung cancer screenings for adults who:

• Are between 50 and 80 years of age and have a 20 or more pack-year history of cigarette smoking (20 pack-year is equivalent to one pack per day for 20 years or two packs per day for 10 years)
• Are able and willing to be screened for lung cancer
• Do not currently exhibit any symptoms of lung cancer
• Currently smoke or have quit smoking within the last 15 years

Please note that this screening is covered by insurance, including Medicare.

For more information about the McLeod Lung Cancer Screening Program, call (843) 777-5953. To learn more about lung cancer, speak with a pulmonologist near you.