Lung cancer screening saves lives

This year, nearly 250,000 patients will be diagnosed with lung cancer and 130,000 will die from it. In South Dakota, 660 people will be diagnosed, and over 400 will die, from the disease. Lung cancer accounts for the most cancer deaths in both the US and in South Dakota.

Smoking is the most important risk factor for lung cancer and accounts for 80% of lung cancer deaths. Although smoking rates continue to decline in the US, in South Dakota there are many rural and tribal communities where the smoking rates are still 20 to 40%. These patients continue to be at risk for developing and dying from...