Pack-a-day doesn’t keep the doctors away
Thursday, July 25, 2024
Smoking has been a topic of interest in healthcare for a long time. We always hear certain phrases that go along with smoking and the negative health affects you could live with. At Genesis, we want you to stay healthy by stopping or avoiding smoking to prevent negative health effects and contact your doctor early if you notice any symptoms from smoking so you can be helped right away.
If you meet any of the qualifications below then you are recommended to get a lung screening, it is free through insurance:
Have a 20 pack-a-year or more history.
A pack-year is smoking an average of one pack of cigarettes per day for one year. For example, a person could have a 20 pack-year history by smoking one pack a day for 20 years or two packs a day for 10 years.
Smoke now or have quit within the past 15 years.
Are between 50 and 80 years old.
Have no signs or symptoms of lung cancer.
“Studies over the last 15 years using early detection screening such as spiral CT have been shown to increase your chances of surviving lung cancer by 16% to 20%.” says the Lung Cancer Foundation of America. If you notice lung cancer symptoms (listed below), you should also contact your doctor.
The American Cancer Society states the most common lung cancer symptoms are:
A cough that does not go away or gets worse
Coughing up blood or rust-colored spit or phlegm
Chest pain that is often worse with deep breathing, coughing or laughing
Hoarseness
Loss of appetite
Unexplained weight loss
Shortness of breath
Feeling tired or weak
Reoccurring infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia
New onset of wheezing
We want to catch lung cancer as early as possible, which is why we recommend getting a screening before there are symptoms present.
Check out these additional resources for more information on lung screenings:
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Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.
