The Tift Regional Medical Center Anita Stewart Oncology Center is encouraging area residents to commit to a healthy, smoke-free life by participating in the American Cancer Society’s 43rd Great American Smokeout event on Nov. 15.

“Addiction to nicotine in cigarettes is one of the strongest and most deadly addictions one can have,” said Jennifer Harnage, R.N., TRMC Lung Cancer Navigator. “Quitting is hard, but it can be accomplished. It takes commitment and starts with a plan.”

Harnage said getting help through counseling and/or prescription medications can double or triple the chances of quitting successfully. “The American Cancer Society offers a great program called Quit for Life that can help get smokers started,” she said. “Go to www.QuitNow.com or call 800-227-2345 for more information.”

Harnage said cigarette smoking is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States, killing more Americans than alcohol, car accidents, HIV, guns, and illegal drugs combined. “There is no safe level of exposure to tobacco smoke,” said Harnage. “Smoking not only causes cancer--it damages nearly every organ in the body, including the lungs, heart, blood vessels, reproductive organs, mouth, skin, eyes, and bones.”

For long-term smokers who are at high risk for lung cancer, TRMC offers a lung cancer screening program using CT technology.

“Lung cancer is easiest to treat when found early,” said Harnage. “Patients can have annual low-dose CT scans to detect early stage lung cancer much like mammography is used to detect early stages of breast cancer. These low-dose CT scans for lung cancer will save lives and patients typically need to have the scan only once per year.”

The CT lung screening program at TRMC is available to people ages 55 to 80 who have smoked at least an average of one pack a day for 30 years. This includes current smokers or smokers who have quit within the past 15 years.

A scan is taken of the patient’s chest using a CT scanner at TRMC. The images taken of the lungs are read by a radiologist to determine if there is a need for further evaluation. “The scan time takes about 10 seconds and is painless,” said Harnage.

The cost is covered by Medicare and other insurance companies for qualified patients. Lung screenings are available by appointment only. In some cases, lung screenings may not be appropriate for certain patients.