Cedar Rapids physicians encourage eligible adults to discuss lung cancer screening

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) - Physicians at UnityPoint Health-St. Luke’s Hospital and the Nassif Community Cancer Center are encouraging eligible adults to talk with their health care providers about lung cancer screening during Lung Cancer Awareness Month in November.

Iowa’s rate of new lung cancer cases is 60.3 per 100,000 people, compared with 52.8 nationally, according to the American Lung Association. The organization also said 18.4% of eligible Iowans at high risk for lung cancer receive screening.

UnityPoint Health said screening is quick, painless and noninvasive. It can help reduce lung cancer deaths among high-risk individuals by detecting cancer at an earlier stage.

“Lung cancer is most treatable when it’s found early,” says Hamad Azam, MD, pulmonologist with UnityPoint Clinic Multi-Specialty – Cedar Rapids. “For people at higher risk, an annual low-dose CT screening can be a lifesaving tool.”

Patients interested in learning more about screening can contact their primary care provider, pulmonology clinic or the Nassif Community Cancer Center.