November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month: Should You Be Screened for Lung Cancer?

More people in the U.S. die from lung cancer than any other type of cancer.

People who smoke, have smoked in the past, or who have been exposed to other people's smoke, as well as those who have worked around hazardous materials, are at increased risk for developing lung cancer. Additionally, the number of non-smoking lung cancer cases is on the rise.

Consider these facts:

• In 2011, more than 220,000 Americans were diagnosed with lung cancer.
• About 90 percent of lung cancer deaths in men and almost 80 percent of lung cancer deaths in women are due to smoking.
• Among both men and women in the United States, lung cancer is the second most common type of cancer.
• Lung cancer accounts for more deaths than breast cancer, prostate cancer, and colon cancer combined. 

The physicians in Penn Medicine’s Lung Cancer Program are experienced in lung scanning and the latest screening techniques for people at high risk. Additionally, Penn's proton therapy for lung cancer is offered as treatment for the disease.

For information about smoking cessation programs and lung cancer screening programs at Penn Medicine, visit PennMedicine.org or call 800-789-PENN (7366).