Lung cancer is an especially dangerous form of cancer. It begins when cells in your lungs start growing out of control. Understanding lung cancer symptoms and lung cancer stages is crucial for early detection.

Surviving lung cancer depends on an early diagnosis. The disease can spread rapidly through the lungs and into other parts of the body. If found early, lung cancer is highly curable.

Risk factors for lung cancer

There are several factors that increase your risk for developing lung cancer:

• Tobacco use – People who smoke are at an increased risk of lung cancer. Research suggests that the more cigarettes you smoke each day, the higher your risk increases. Quitting tobacco — no matter your age — can lower your risk for lung cancer.
• Being around people who smoke – Exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke — even if you do not smoke yourself — increases your risk for lung cancer. People who live with smokers are at a higher risk of lung cancer.
• Exposure to carcinogens – substances known to cause cancer. Asbestos, arsenic, chromium, nickel and other substances increase your risk for lung cancer.
• Family history – If you have a parent, sibling or child who developed lung cancer, you are at greater risk for the disease.

• Breathing radon gas – Radon gas comes from the breakdown of radioactive elements in the soil. It can contaminate the air of closed spaces, including homes and workplaces.

Some of the above risk factors you can control. One of the best things you can do to protect yourself is to quit smoking with Get Healthy, Live Well's Freedom From Smoking.

Lung cancer screening

People who are at increased risk for lung cancer should be screened. Tanner offers a simple, painless screening that can find lung cancer in its earliest stages.

Low-dose CT screenings for lung cancer

Low-dose CT screenings for lung cancer use a small amount of X-ray radiation to screen your lungs. It requires no needles, medication or contrast. No doctor's order is needed to schedule a screening.

The screening positions you in a CT scanner and uses X-rays to take a series of images of your lungs. The images allow doctors to see if lung cancer is present.

Low-dose CT for lung cancer is not a one-time test — annual screening for people at risk for lung cancer ensures that cancer can be detected in its earliest stages when it’s still highly curable.

Cost for lung cancer screening

Medicare and some private insurers cover the cost for low-dose CT screening for lung cancer.

If you are self-pay, the screening cost is $289. We will lower the cost to $116 if you can pay in full at the time of the service. (The cost does not include the $215 radiologist fee to interpret the screening.)

Our Patient Financial Assistance program can work with you to ensure the screening is affordable.

Should you be screened for lung cancer?

Talk to your doctor today

Speak with your primary care provider to discuss if a low-dose CT screening is right for you. A physician's order is required for the low-dose CT.

Symptoms of lung cancer

Lung cancer symptoms can include:

Any of these lung cancer symptoms should be discussed with your healthcare provider. They can best help you decide if a screening is needed.

Treating lung cancer

At Tanner, we offer a fast, aggressive approach to lung cancer treatment. You may require:

• Surgery, to remove the cancer from the lung.  Learn about surgery at Tanner.
• Radiation therapy, to kill cancer cells. Learn about our radiation therapy care.
• Chemotherapy or immunotherapy, to kill cancer cells and stop them from growing. Learn about our advanced medical oncology program.

• Targeted therapy, using the latest medicines to battle your specific type of cancer.

With Tanner Cancer Care, you also have access to our robust support network. We’re committed to helping you and your loved ones overcome cancer and get on with living.

Lung Cancer Frequently Asked Questions

Can you recover from lung cancer?
Yes, recovery from lung cancer is possible, especially if the cancer is detected in its early stages. Early diagnosis and lung cancer treatment, such as surgery, radiation or chemotherapy, can significantly improve survival rates.

What are the early signs of lung cancer?
Early lung cancer symptoms may include a persistent cough, difficulty breathing, coughing up blood or changes in your voice. Recognizing these signs early is crucial for effective treatment.

How is lung cancer diagnosed?
Lung cancer is diagnosed through imaging tests like low-dose CT screenings, which can detect cancer in its early stages. A biopsy may also be performed to confirm the presence of cancer cells.

What treatment options are available for lung cancer?
Lung cancer treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapy. The choice of treatment depends on the lung cancer stages and the patient's overall health.

What factors influence lung cancer survival rates?
Survival rates for lung cancer are influenced by factors such as the stage at which the cancer is diagnosed, the patient's age and health, and the effectiveness of the lung cancer treatment received.