JACKSON – Lung cancer, the top cause of cancer deaths in the nation, is so lethal because it’s most often diagnosed after it’s spread and more difficult to cure.
If you are between ages 50-80, currently smoke or quit smoking within the past 15 years, you may be eligible for lung cancer screening through your insurance provider.
“Lung cancer kills more people every year than colon, breast and prostate cancer combined,” said Dr. Pierre de Delva, professor and section chief of general thoracic surgery, director of thoracic oncology and program director of thoracic surgery residency.
Mississippi ranks third in the country for lung cancer deaths and fourth for new cases, according to the Mississippi State Department of Health.
Unfortunately, de Delva said, the rate of screening is disappointing and potentially deadly. “Only about 5% to 10% of those eligible are getting screened,” he said. “Some patients don’t know about it. Some physicians don’t refer them. Access is an issue.”
Those at highest risk for lung cancer often are smokers, especially those who are heavy smokers and who have less access to health care, are uninsured, or are underinsured. “A lot of underrepresented minorities might not have the education to know that this lifesaving tool is available,” de Delva said.
“It’s estimated that Mississippi will experience 18,000 new lung cancers and nearly 7,000 deaths this year alone,” said Jonathan Hontzas, a nurse practitioner and co-director of UMMC’s thoracic oncology Lung Cancer Early Detection Program. “Part of that is due to our state’s lung cancer screen rate being 5.5% of those needing it in the 2021 calendar year. Studies show that lung cancer mortality can be reduced by a minimum 20% through use of low-dose CT screening.
“Early detection is key, and Mississippi’s 24.1% early detection rate is something we badly need to fix.”
To schedule an appointment for the Nov. 12 lung cancer screening event, call 601-984-LUNG (5864).
