What is lung cancer?  

Lung cancer is when cells in the lung grow out of control. It is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the world. People who smoke or vape are at a much higher risk of developing lung cancer.

Why are we focusing on lung cancer?  

Lung cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States, but it is the leading cause of cancer deaths. While other cancers, like breast and prostate, may have higher incidence rates, lung cancer consistently results in more fatalities. Cass County’s lung cancer rate is 70.35 per 100k. Cass ranks 29th out of 99 counties (1 = highest rates).

Signs & Symptoms  

Symptoms could include a persistent cough that doesn’t go away, chest pain, coughing up blood, hoarseness, shortness of breath, and wheezing. Typically, there are no symptoms for the early stages of lung cancer, so if you have any of these symptoms and are concerned, talk to your doctor right away about the next steps.  

Screening for Lung Cancer

• Screening for lung cancer is a low-dose lung CT. This is a non-invasive x-ray used to create detailed images of the lungs, allowing doctors to look for any abnormalities.  
• Screening is recommended for peopled aged 50 – 80, current smokers or those who have quit within the last 15 years and have at least a 20 pack-year history of smoking. (A pack-year is equal to smoking 1 pack, or about 20 cigarettes, per day for a year. For example, a person could have a 20 pack-year history by smoking 1 pack a day for 20 years, or by smoking 2 packs a day for 10 years.)
• Your primary care provider can help you decide if lung cancer screening is right for you.

Risk Management  

You can lower your risk of lung cancer.

• If you haven’t smoked before – don’t start.
• If you do smoke – stop now. Talk to your doctor to find a plan that can make quitting possible.
• Test your home for radon. Radon is a colorless odorless gas that’s prevalent in Iowa. High levels of radon in homes, schools, or workplaces can lead to higher rates of lung cancer. Cass Health is providing free radon tests for households in Cass County, Iowa. Visit your nearest library to pick up a test — for a list of local libraries, please click here.

Process Overview  

1. There is no special preparation needed for lung cancer screening.
2. Check in at Registration.
3. Head to the Radiology department, and let the front desk staff know that you have arrived.
4. When it is time for your test, a radiologic technologist will escort you to the CT room. You will be asked to remove any metal from your clothing, such as zippers, snaps, or underwire bras. You may be asked to change into a hospital gown.
5. Our staff will ask you a few brief questions about your smoking history and any personal or family history of cancer. 
6. Our staff will help you lie on your back on the CT table with your arms raised above your head. 
7. The table will slowly move you in and out of the CT scanner, which looks like a large, open ring. 
8. You will be instructed to hold your breath for a few seconds at a time while images are taken. 
9. The scan itself takes less than 5 minutes to complete. 
10. Once the scan is finished, you can get dressed and return to your normal activities right away. 
11. Results can be expected within a few business days, and you can see your results in MyChart as soon as they are available. If you do not have a MyChart account, you can sign up for one, or you can instead receive your results by mail or phone.