Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in the United States among men and women. It is the leading cause of cancer deaths with nearly 149,000 dying from this disease each year. The symptoms of lung cancer differ from person-to-person and most people with lung cancer don’t have symptoms until the cancer has advanced. That is why being proactive now can help lower your risk of lung cancer and improve the chances of overcoming it.
How to decrease your risk of lung cancer:
- Quit or don’t smoke. 9 out of 10 lung cancers are caused by smoking cigarettes. Quitting if you do smoke–or not starting–is the best thing you can do to prevent lung cancer.
For resources to stop smoking:
Indiana and Ohio Tobacco Quitline: 1-800-QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669)
- Test for radon. Radon, which is a gas that you cannot smell, taste or see, is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Nearly 1 out of every 3 homes in Indiana is estimated to have radon levels greater than 4.0. Test your home for radon and reduce high levels.
Indiana Radon Hotline: 1-800-272-9723.
- Screen for lung cancer. It is recommended for those that are between 55 and 80 years of age, and have a history of smoking, or have quit within the past 15 years to get an annual lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography (CT scan). Talk to your doctor today to see if this option is best for you.
- Limit secondhand smoke. Exposure to other people’s cigarettes, pipes, or cigars can increase your risk of lung cancer by 20% to 30%.
PHP services to help decrease your risk of lung cancer:
- Tobacco cessation program. To assist your transition to a tobacco-free lifestyle, PHP covers the following FDA-approved tobacco cessation medications:
- Nicotine patch
- Nicotine Lozenge
- Bupropion (Zyban™)
- Nicotine gum
- Varenicline (CHANTIX™)
Each method listed above is covered at 100% for a 90-day treatment regimen and members are eligible for two tobacco cessation attempts per calendar year. Members must have a prescription for 100% coverage.
- Lung cancer screening. Members have coverage or an annual preventive screening for lung cancer, with low-dose computed tomography for adults ages 55 and older.
- Smoking cessation classes. There are many resources within the online Get PHP Fit! Wellness section of our site, such as the four-part series smoking cessation class. If you are a PHP member, you have free access to those classes.
- MyNurse 24/7. Additional support programs for use with any drug therapy are also available for PHP members by calling our free nurseline, MyNurse 24/7.
