DHR Health offering low-dose lung cancer screenings

EDINBURG, Texas (ValleyCentral) — November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month and DHR Health in Edinburg is helping the public take preventable action.

According to the American Cancer Society, lung cancer is the second most common cancer in both men and women in the United States.

It is also the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S.

DHR Health is sharing how lung cancer screenings are crucial in the fight against lung cancer.

"Lung cancer is very deadly when we find it late but if we find it early, there is a very good chance of survival," said Federico Vallejo, a pulmonary doctor with DHR Health.

Vallejo says DHR Health is offering low-dose CT lung cancer screenings to the public at a low cost.

A person is a candidate for lung cancer screening if they are smokers or previous smokers between 50 to 80 years old.

" It's called low dose CT because it uses a very small amount of radiation," Vallejo said. "The scan takes about 10 seconds and that can save your life."

Vallejo recommends patients to consult with a primary care physician or any doctor to get referred for the lung cancer screening.

He also says the screening is covered by most insurance providers.

"Allow us to find if you have this problem and to treat you to save your life," Vallejo continued.