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Lung Cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. An estimated 236,740 people will be diagnosed with lung cancer in 2022 in the U.S.

South Georgia Medical Center Cardiothoracic Surgeon Dr. James Shoptaw shares the importance of early detection for those who may be at risk for lung cancer. SGMC o ers low-dose CT screenings, which are simple x-rays of the lungs that can detect cancer in its most treatable stages. If caught early, lung cancer has a 90 percent survival rate.

What you should know…

CAUSES OF LUNG CANCER

The most common cause of lung cancer is smoking. Other risk factors include secondhand smoke, family history of lung cancer, exposure to radon, asbestos exposure, tar in the workplace, and radiation therapy to the chest. Should You Get Screened The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends yearly lung cancer screening for people who:

• Have a 20-pack-year or more smoking history, and • Smoke now or have quit within the past 15 years, and • Are between 50 and 77 years old. Lung cancer screenings are recommended only for adults who are at high risk for developing the disease because of their smoking history and age, and who do not have a health problem that substantially limits their life expectancy or their ability or willingness to have lung surgery if needed.

DECREASING YOUR RISK

The best way to reduce your risk of lung cancer is to not smoke and to avoid secondhand smoke. However, lung cancer screening is not a substitute for quitting smoking. Cigarettes can harm the tissue of the lungs, impeding their ability to function properly, and can increase the risk for conditions such as emphysema, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The overall goal is to detect lung cancer at a very early stage — when it's more likely to be cured. By the time signs and symptoms of lung cancer develop, it is usually too advanced for curative treatment.

For more information on low-dose lung cancer screenings and your eligibility, visit sgmc.org.

James Shoptaw, MD FACS

Cardiac Services, Cardiothoracic Surgery

Dr. James Shoptaw joined SGMC in 2021 and is a cardiothoracic surgeon at the SGMC CardioVascular Institute. He has more than 23 years of experience and specializes in carotid endarterectomies, revascularization procedures for lower extremities, abdominal aortic aneurysms, treatments for lung cancer and coronary artery disease. He is American Board Certifi ed in both surgery and thoracic surgery.

Dr. Shoptaw is married to Helen and together they have four boys, James, Robert, Samuel and William. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family, watching his boys participate in sporting activities, going to the lake, fi shing, and hunting. To learn more about Dr. Shoptaw, scan the code with your mobile device.