Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital Physicians Encourage Screening for Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the second most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer death in both men and women, according to the American Cancer Society. November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month and a time for people to educate themselves about prevention, risk factors, and the importance of screening for lung cancer. Physicians affiliated with Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital are encouraging everyone with associated risks to be screened for lung cancer.

“Individuals at the highest risk of developing lung cancer are current and former smokers. Early detection allows for early treatment and potential cure. This is why we strongly encourage those who meet the recommended guidelines to undergo screening,” says Dr. Timothy Hamilton, cardiothoracic surgeon with Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital.

Individuals at highest risk for developing lung cancer:

• Are 55 to 77 years of age and
• Currently, or in the past, have smoked one pack of cigarettes per day for 30 years or two packs per day for 15 years and
• Are still smoking, or have quit smoking within the last 15 years and
• Have no signs or symptoms of lung cancer.

The low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) lung screening, which takes less than five minutes to complete, involves lying on a scanning table that moves through a doughnut-shaped CT scanner. “There is no preparation for the test – it is safe, quick and painless,” says Deidra Teoh, RN, Lung Cancer Nurse Navigator at Memorial Hermann Southwest and Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital.

Memorial Hermann Southwest and other Memorial Hermann facilities offer patients low-dose CT Scans for patients fitting the criteria. To learn more about lung cancer screening or for assistance in scheduling your screening, contact Deidra at 713-456-LUNG (5864) or Deidra.Teoh@MemorialHermann.org.