PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. — Lung cancer kills hundreds of people every single day.

It remains the leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. according to the American Lung Association.

While there are more survivors than ever, there’s still a lot that needs to be done to reduce the toll this disease takes on Americans.

For those at high risk, early detection of lung cancer through a low-dose CT scan can reduce the risk of dying by at least 20%.

Dr. Andrea McKee with the American Lung Association says candidates for lung cancer screening are smokers between the ages of 50 and 80, with a 20 pack-year history, meaning one pack a day for 20 years, or two packs a day for ten years.

“Early-stage screen-detected lung cancer has a 90% chance of being cured. I’ll say it again, that means 90% of patients are alive and disease-free five years out from their diagnosis of lung cancer, if we can detect their lung cancer at stage one through screening,” said McKee.

If you’re a current smoker, or quit within the last 15 years, screening is also suggested.

“A lot of physicians aren’t completely aware of the new recommendations, and many patients aren’t aware of the new recommendations,” she said.

Which may be one reason why fewer than one in five of those eligible for lung cancer screening actually get it.

McKee says that while CT scans have been around for decades, the technology to detect early lung cancer is relatively new so lack of awareness may be another problem.

That’s why the organization launched a website called Saved by the Scan where anyone can take a quiz to see if they should get a screening.

“If you’re at risk for lung cancer, talk to your doctor about getting screened,” said McKee.

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