Aspirus Media Center

World Lung Cancer Day

A quick scan could save your life

8/1/2025

August 1 is World Lung Cancer Day, and Aspirus Health has one clear message for anyone who has ever been a heavy smoker: schedule a low dose CT scan. The fast, painless test can spot lung cancer years before symptoms appear—when it’s easiest to cure.

 

“A low dose CT scan is quick, painless, and powerful,” says Christopher Peterson, MD, board-certified oncologist at Aspirus Cancer Care. “It can find very small cancers on the lungs that otherwise wouldn’t have been detectable,” Peterson explains. “When we’re able to identify cancers earlier, we’re more often able to cure those cancers.”

 

Who should be screened?

If you check all four boxes below, it’s time to talk to your provider:

 

  • Current smoker or quit within the last 15 years
  • Age 50–77 (up to 80 if you have private insurance)
  • 20+ “pack‑years” (a pack a day for 20 years, or the equivalent)
  • No lung cancer symptoms such as coughing blood or unexplained weight loss

 

Why it matters

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, yet only about one in 10 eligible people get screened.

 

Take the next step

Call an Aspirus Nurse Navigator at 715.847.2284 or talk with your primary care provider to find out if you qualify.


 

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