Who is at risk?

• People at risk of developing lung cancer include smokers, those who suffer from COPD, and those who may have had careers that put them in contact with carcinogens like beryllium and asbestos. Those at risk should be screened once a year.
  
  

Screening Methods

• Methods used for detecting lung cancer in its earliest stages include CT scans, bronchoscopy, and laboratory analysis of cells and fluids.
  
  

Early Detection Programs

• Early detection programs are in place to help those at risk. Some of these programs are aimed at former nuclear power plant workers, who often worked with a variety of carcinogenic material. Another program is the National Lung Screening Trial. For more information, see Resources.
  
  

Treating Lung Cancer

• Common lung cancer treatments when the cancer is in the early stages include chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
  
  

Cutting Edge Treatments

• One cutting edge lung cancer treatment that can benefit patients in the early stages of the disease is a surgical technique performed by robots. Used at Phoenixville Hospital just outside of Philadelphia, the robot assisted-surgery includes benefits like a lower risk of infection and faster recovery time.