(BLACK PR WIRE) – People at a high risk for lung cancer are eligible to detect this deadly disease in its early stages when it’s easier to treat and survival rates are better

Baptist Health South Florida announced the launch of the first lung cancer screening program in South Florida for people who run a high risk of developing lung cancer.

“Studies show that the earlier lung cancer is detected, the better the chance of surviving the deadly disease,” said Mark Dylewski, M.D., chief of thoracic surgery and medical director of thoracic robotic surgery at Baptist Health South Florida. “We are looking at moderate to heavy smokers whose lifestyles and family history places them at a higher risk of developing the disease.”

The screening consists of a low-dose lung CT scan that can detect early-stage lung cancer when tumors are small and at the most treatable stage. Regular chest X-rays have proven unreliable in detecting early-stage lung cancer.

You’re a candidate for this lung screening if you:

• Are age 55-80
• Are a current smoker
• Quit smoking within the last 15 years
• Have a smoking history of 30-pack years or greater
(a pack a day for 30 years, two packs a day for 15 years, etc.)

The lung screening is $35, and a doctor’s prescription and appointment are necessary. To make an appointment or for more information, call 786-596-LUNG (5864) in Miami-Dade, 954-837-1000 in Broward, 305-434-1588 in Monroe or visit BaptistHealth.net/LungScreening.