Each November, Lung Cancer Awareness Month shines a spotlight on one of the most common and life-threatening cancers in the U.S. At St. Louis CyberKnife, we’re dedicated to raising awareness about prevention, early screening, and the life-saving impact of advanced radiation therapy for lung cancer.
While lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths, innovations in screening and precision treatment are changing outcomes for patients every day. The key is early detection: because finding cancer sooner means more options and better results.
What You Should Know About Lung Cancer Risks
Lung cancer doesn’t only affect smokers. Though tobacco use remains a leading cause, factors like radon exposure, air pollution, occupational hazards, and family history can all contribute to risk.
In Missouri, lung cancer rates are higher than the national average, which makes education, prevention, and screening more important than ever. Knowing your risk factors and talking to your doctor about screening could save your life or the life of someone you love.
Detecting Lung Cancer Early with Low-Dose CT Scans
Because lung cancer often develops without noticeable symptoms, low-dose CT (LDCT) scans have become a vital tool for early detection. This quick, noninvasive imaging test can identify abnormalities in the lungs long before symptoms appear.
You may qualify for a lung cancer screening if you:
- Are 50–80 years old, and
- Have a history of 20 or more pack-years of smoking, and
- Currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years, and
- Are in good enough health to undergo potential treatment if lung cancer is detected
Early detection through LDCT can lead to faster diagnosis and more effective treatment. St. Louis CyberKnife works closely with regional hospitals and referring physicians to help patients navigate screening and next steps with ease.
Noninvasive, Targeted Lung Cancer Treatment in St. Louis
For patients diagnosed with lung cancer, St. Louis CyberKnife offers an advanced alternative to conventional surgery and radiation therapy. The CyberKnife® System delivers highly targeted radiation with sub-millimeter precision, destroying tumors while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
Key benefits of CyberKnife® treatment include:
- No incisions or anesthesia required
- Shorter treatment schedules, often completed in as few as five sessions
- Minimal recovery time so patients can return to normal activities quickly
- Outpatient convenience – no hospital stay needed
Our team of experienced radiation oncologists and medical physicists design every treatment plan to fit the patient’s individual diagnosis, ensuring a precise and comfortable experience from start to finish.
St. Louis CyberKnife: Your Partner in Precision Cancer Care
At St. Louis CyberKnife, we are proud to provide state-of-the-art, compassionate cancer care to patients throughout Missouri and southern Illinois. Our goal is to make cutting-edge radiation therapy accessible, effective, and patient-centered.
This Lung Cancer Awareness Month, take a moment to focus on your lung health. Learn about prevention, ask your healthcare provider about low-dose CT screening, and explore advanced treatment options available right here in St. Louis.
To learn more about CyberKnife® treatment for lung cancer, contact St. Louis CyberKnife today.