WAUSAU — Friday was World Lung Cancer Day, and Aspirus Health has a 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 items 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)

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