Sovah Pulmonology-Martinsville

Wendy Gilraine, FNP

Men’s Prevention Screening

We cannot imagine not being able to breathe. Without our lungs we are unable to take in the air we need. But did you know there is testing to keep your lungs as healthy as possible?

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the world. In fact, the United States has some of the highest rates of lung cancer in men. According to the American Lung Association, men who smoke are 23 times more likely to develop lung cancer. 

Men from a young age are taught the importance of monthly testicular screening. When 50 approaches, it is encouraged to have a colonoscopy and prostate screening test. Early detection of colon, prostate and testicular cancers can increase survival rates. The importance of screening for these three cancers is well known, lung cancer screening for men with a history of smoking is not.

Men who develop lung cancer have significantly lower survival rates compared to men who are diagnosed with testicular, colon or prostate cancer.

Annual low dose CT screening is recommended for men from the age of 50 to 80 who are currently smoking or have stopped smoking for less than 15 years. Why is this important? Smoking is the main cause of lung cancer. Early detection of lung cancer improves long term survival rates. 

Lungs give us the ‘breath of life’. Cherish them. Get screened.

Take a Lung Health Assessment