Piedmont Healthcare: Why Lung Cancer Screenings Save Lives
From Piedmont Newnan Hospital
Known as the silent killer due to its lack of symptoms in early stages, lung cancer is the second most common type of cancer, and statistically the most fatal.
The American Cancer Society estimates a total of 226,650 newly diagnosed cases in 2025, with more than half not discovering their cancer until it has advanced or is in metastatic stage, making it even more crucial that those at risk receive screening as soon as possible.
“The most effective way to fight lung cancer is to begin treatment early on,” says Matthew Roberts, D.O., who specializes in family medicine, at Piedmont Physicians at White Oak in Newnan. “But we can’t do so if you aren’t aware you even have it. Following the guidelines, getting screened if you’re at risk—it’s all about staying on top of your health.”
Who is Eligible for a Lung Cancer Screening?
To qualify:
• Age 50-80
• Smoking history of 20 pack years (one pack a day for 20 years or two packs a day for 10 years)
• Current smoker or stopped in the last 15 years or less
• No current pulmonary symptoms, such as worsening cough, coughing up blood, or shortness of breath
• No unexplained weight loss
Research suggests that exposure to certain industrial substances such as arsenic, some organic chemicals, radon, asbestos, diesel exhaust radiation exposure, air pollution, tuberculosis and environmental tobacco smoke in nonsmokers also increases a person’s risk of developing lung cancer.
“If you think you may be at risk, do not wait,” advises Dr. Roberts. “Talk to your primary care provider about scheduling a low-dose CT scan.”
So, how does it work? The screening process itself is a straightforward CT scan – no injections or medications are involved. The screening-eligible patient will simply lie still on the table that will slide them through the doughnut-shaped scanner, taking only 20 seconds to complete. Afterward, your physician will then receive your results and follow up with you via phone call to discuss next steps.
In the event that your CT scan comes back with normal results (hooray!), our recommendation is for you to continue annual CT scans for the next two years to monitor any changes. Your nurse navigator will guide you through the entire process and remind you when it is time for your next screening or for additional tests.
*Please note that 30 to 40 percent of lung cancer CT scans show abnormal results. Most of these results will be noncancerous (benign) but abnormal scans require close follow-up and further testing.
Even if you do not qualify for screening, there are steps you can take to protect your lung health, including:
• Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke
• Limit exposure to air pollution and harmful chemicals
• Stay up to date on vaccines
• Practice good hand hygiene
• Maintain dental health
• Eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly
• Get routine check-ups
To schedule a visit with a primary care physician, visit piedmont.org.
