Dr. Jason Shaw, director of general thoracic surgery and the Lung Cancer Screening Program at Maimonides Health, joined NY1 for their Wellness Wednesday segment to discuss the importance of getting screened for lung cancer.

“I think generally there is a lack of awareness that lung cancer screening can detect cancer at an earlier stage where we know it saves lives. And so we’re working on breaking down those barriers,” says Dr. Shaw, also a surgical oncologist for Maimonides Cancer Center.

Some barriers include thinking smoking is the only risk factor and being worried that screening is expensive. While smoking is an important risk factor, lung cancer affects more than just people who smoke. And if your doctor determines you’re eligible for lung cancer screening, insurance will cover the costs.

Maimonides’ Lung Cancer Screening Program began in 2013 and serves a diverse patient population. Current guidelines recommend that people who meet the following criteria begin screening for lung cancer:

• Are between 50 and 80 years old
• Have never been diagnosed with lung cancer
• Are a current smoker or quit smoking within the last 15 years
• Have a 20-pack-year history of smoking

Lung cancer screening is “quick, easy, painless, and safe,” says Dr. Shaw.

For lung cancer, as well as other cancers, early detection is key as it can be easier to treat in its earlier stages. Advances in imaging and tailored therapeutics are making lung cancer at all stages more treatable too.

“People are living longer. I should stress that lung cancer is a disease that people are living with and not necessarily dying from,” says Dr. Shaw.

Learn more about cancer screening and awareness at Maimonides.

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