Lung cancer, the leading cause of death from cancer in the United States, often has no symptoms in its early stages. By the time you have symptoms, such as shortness of breath or a persistent cough, cancer probably has spread and may be difficult to treat.
Overview
If you are a current or former smoker, annual screenings can help lower your risk of death from lung cancer by nearly 20 percent. Whether or not you get screened, the most important thing you can do to improve your health is to quit smoking, if you have not already.
Our approach
Our lung cancer screening program, part of the M Health Fairview Cancer Care, has been recognized by the Lung Cancer Alliance as one of the only screening centers of excellence in Minnesota. The test requires no preparation and takes about 10 seconds to complete. It uses special low-dose X-ray technology to obtain an image of your lung tissue. You will have to be able to hold your breath for six seconds, however, while the scan takes place.