Lung cancer is the leading cancer killer in America, and cigarette smokers are overwhelmingly at risk. Beating the disease is largely determined by when it is discovered. By the time a person is symptomatic with lung cancer, they are likely at stage 3 or 4.

Annual low-dose CT screenings have been shown to reduce lung cancer mortality by 20% in high-risk patients, according to the National Lung Screening Trial, published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

But nationally, high-risk patients have been slow to partake of annual chest scans, and the rates of regular screening in Florida is half the national rate.

“I would say it’s mostly unknown – people with a significant smoking history don’t know about it,” says Tabitha Haynes, a thoracic surgery nurse practitioner who directs Health First’s lung cancer screening program out of Holmes Regional Medical Center.

“Breast cancer has really shown the value of early detection, and it’s well promoted. Lung cancer screening is behind.”

A low-dose CT lung cancer screening takes about 10 minutes and requires little more than lying down on a table. At Health First, affordable rates for self-paying patients are available.

READ the complete feature in Florida Today HERE.