Watch Now: Lung Cancer Screening Saved His Life

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among both men and women, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). It is estimated that in 2014 alone, 224,210 new cases will be diagnosed and 159,260 will die (86,930 men and 72,330 women).

Last year, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) approved annual low-dose CT lung cancer screenings for adults ages 55 through 80 who have a “30 pack-year” history of smoking (described as a pack a day for 30 years; two packs a day for 15 years, and so on) or who have quit smoking in the past 15 years.

The USPSTF found that current or former smokers who were screened annually by low-dose CT have a 20 percent lower risk of dying from lung cancer than those screened with conventional chest X-rays. The findings are important, because it appears that yearly screening with low-dose CT imaging can detect lung cancer earlier, when it’s more treatable. .

Dennis Bookshester, a 15-month lung cancer survivor, shares his story and explains why today he has become a strong advocate for lung cancer screenings.

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Baptist Health is offering a discounted rate for those at high risk.  If you meet the criteria and have a doctor’s prescription, you may be eligible to receive a low-dose lung CT for $35 at any Baptist location.

For more information, call 786-596-LUNG (5864) in Miami-Dade; 954-837-1000 in Broward; 305-434-1588 in Monroe or visit BaptistHealth.net/LungScreening. 

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