Each November, we recognize Lung Cancer Awareness Month; a time to honor those affected by lung cancer, raise awareness about prevention, and highlight the lifesaving impact of early detection.Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States, taking more lives each year than breast, prostate, and colon cancers combined. The good news is that early detection through low-dose CT (LDCT) lung cancer screening can dramatically improve survival rates. When found early, lung cancer can often be treated successfully; sometimes even cured.
Jeffery Ballard, RN, BSN is a lung cancer screening nurse and Gorham resident who advocates for early detection, smoking cessation support, and preventive health awareness.
“As a lung cancer screening nurse,” said Ballard, I’ve seen firsthand how early detection changes lives. Many people are surprised to learn that they qualify for screening; and that the process is quick, painless, and covered by most insurance plans. The scan uses a very low dose of radiation, much less than a standard CT scan, and can find small nodules or abnormalities long before symptoms appear.”
Who Should Be Screened
You may be eligible for a low-dose CT lung cancer screening if you: are 50 to 80 years old, have a history of smoking at least 20 pack-years (for example, one pack a day for 20 years), and currently smoke or quit within the past 15 years.
These are the general national guidelines, but some facilities may have slightly different criteria, so it’s always best to ask your primary care provider or screening program for specific recommendations. Even if you’ve already quit smoking, screening can still be an important step in protecting your health.
More Than a Scan
Lung cancer screening isn’t just about finding disease; it’s about starting a conversation. It opens the door to discussions about smoking cessation, healthy living, and long-term prevention.
While not every risk factor for lung cancer can be changed, smoking remains the single most preventable and modifiable one. Quitting smoking at any age has enormous benefits; improving lung and heart health, reducing cancer risk, and enhancing quality of life. If you’ve ever thought about quitting, know that support and resources are available, and every attempt is a step toward better health.
Importantly, these conversations should always be free of blame or stigma. Tobacco use is often tied to years of habit, stress, and addiction; not a lack of willpower. Encouragement, understanding, and community support are far more powerful than judgment.
A Community Effort
Lung cancer screening saves lives, but awareness saves even more. As a community, we can reduce stigma, encourage open dialogue, and make sure everyone who qualifies knows that screening exists and is accessible.
This November, take one simple but powerful step: ask your doctor about lung cancer screening. Early detection gives people more time: time to heal, to live fully, and to be with the people who matter most.