Lung cancer continues to be the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, claiming more lives each year than breast, colon and prostate cancers combined. In recognition of Lung Cancer Awareness Month, Southeast Georgia Health System is working to raise awareness about lung cancer and the importance of early detection through screening.
Chris Moncus Photography
Nicholas Buchanan, M.D.
Photo by Chris Moncus Photography https://chrismoncusphoto.com/
“Lung cancer often develops silently,” says Nicholas Buchanan, MD, internal medicine physician with Southeast Georgia Physician Associates–Primary Care. “By the time a person shows symptoms—like a persistent cough, chest pain or coughing up blood—the disease is often already in an advanced stage. That’s why screening is so important for those at risk.”
Who Is at Risk?
Smoking is the greatest risk factor for lung cancer. “If you are a current or former smoker, your risk of developing lung cancer can be up to 25 times higher than that of someone who has never smoked,” Buchanan explains. Other factors include age, family history, prior radiation exposure, certain occupational exposures and chronic lung diseases such as COPD.
The Power of Early Detection
For high-risk individuals, a low-dose CT scan can detect lung cancer in its earliest, most treatable stages. “Low-dose CT scans have changed the game,” says Buchanan. “They allow us to find lung cancer before it spreads, and the radiation exposure is minimal—about one-eighth that of a regular CT scan.”
The Southeast Georgia Health System Brunswick and Camden campuses, along with the MRI & Imaging Center, are designated Lung Cancer Screening Centers by the American College of Radiology, which means they meet high standards for imaging and patient care.
“It’s reassuring to have this level of screening available locally,” Buchanan notes. “Many people delay care because they think it’s not accessible or they’re afraid of the process. But this is a simple, non-invasive scan that could potentially save your life.”
Screening is generally recommended for adults aged 50 to 80 who have a 30-pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years. A pack-year is defined as smoking one pack of cigarettes per day for a year. “If you’re unsure whether you qualify, the best place to start is with your primary care provider,” says Buchanan. “We can assess your risk and help you understand your options.”
He also points out that many insurance providers cover the cost of lung cancer screenings for eligible patients. “People are often surprised to find that these screenings are covered,” he says. “That financial accessibility removes one of the biggest barriers to early detection.”
Protect Your Health Today
Ultimately, Buchanan emphasizes that early action is key. “The sooner we find lung cancer, the more treatment options we have—and the better the outcomes. Screening saves lives. If you're at risk, don’t wait for symptoms. Talk to your doctor and get screened.”
To learn more about lung cancer screening at Southeast Georgia Health System, visit sghs.org/lung-cancer-screening. To make an appointment with a primary care provider, call 855-ASK-SGHS (855-275-7447) or visit sghs.org/schedule.
