Is your New Year's resolution to quit smoking?

Is your New Year's resolution to quit smoking? As a former smoker, you could be at risk for lung cancer -- the leading cause of cancer-related death in the U.S., with more than 150,000 people losing their lives to the disease each year. It's more than breast, prostate, colon and ovarian cancer deaths combined.

Despite the steady rise in this statistic over the past 15 years, the number of people being screened for lung cancer falls far behind those screened for breast or colon cancers. This is an especially dangerous oversight if you are, or have been, a heavy smoker. Screening is looking for cancer before you have any symptoms, which can help find cancer at an early stage when it may be easier to treat.

According to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, annual screening with low-dose computed tomography (CT scan) is recommended for those who are:

• Adults ages 55 to 80 years, and

• Have a "30 pack-year smoking history," and

• Currently smoke, or

• Have quit within the past 15 years

A "30 pack-year smoking history" means you've smoked an average of one pack per day for 30 years, or two packs per day for 15 years.

A low-dose CT scan uses an X-ray machine to scan the body with low doses of radiation to make detailed pictures of the lungs. If you or a loved one meets the guidelines above, you should speak to your doctor about a screening plan. Lung cancer frequently has no symptoms at all in the early stages, contributing to the higher mortality rate.

Siloam Springs Regional Hospital offers a low-dose radiation screening of the lungs. If you would like to have a lung cancer screening at SSRH, speak with your primary care provider about scheduling an appointment today.

About Siloam Springs Regional Hospital

Siloam Springs Regional Hospital is a 73 licensed-bed facility with 42 private patient rooms. It is accredited by the State of Arkansas Department of Health Services and The Joint Commission. Some services include inpatient and outpatient surgery, emergency medicine, medical, surgical and intensive care units, obstetrics, outpatient diagnostic services and inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation. With more than 30 physicians on the medical staff, Siloam Springs Regional Hospital provides compassionate, customer-focused care. SSRH is an affiliate of Northwest Health, one of the largest health networks in Northwest Arkansas. The facility is located at 603 N. Progress Ave. in Siloam Springs. For more information, visit NorthwestHealth.com.