Inside Moffitt Cancer Center, Dr. Joeblle Baldonado explains how a CT scan is used to detect lung cancer. 

“They spread their arms up here. SO that this is completely free, there is no metals in the body and all that stuff. And then this bed goes into the tube, and then we get images afterwards,” said Dr. Baldonado, Thoracic Oncology Surgeon, Moffitt Cancer Center. 

The hope with this machine is to catch lung cancer early. 

But a new study by the American Lung Association shows not enough people are getting the yearly scan. 

“It is very concerning specifically here in Florida, because generally, the screening rates are about 5 to 6 percent on a nationwide level. But in Florida we only have 3 percent,” said Dr. Baldonado. 

Catching cancer early is key. Rarely is the outcome good when cancer is found in it’s late stages. 

“The problem is, once you get symptoms that is already late stage. Because that is causing erosion compression and all of that, so you would have shortness of breath, you would have weakness, you would have pains everywhere, and that normally is a stage where it is far too advanced, where you can’t do anything apart from just keeping that cancer at bay,” said Dr. Baldonado. 

Ed Cutler was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer. He remembers well the day he had that very tough talk with his doctor. 

“When I was diagnosed stage 4 and told my life expectancy was very short, that I needed to get my affairs in order, and my wife and I freaked out,” said Cutler. 

Cutler is one of the very lucky ones. He is still alive after being diagnosed in 2013 with stage four lung cancer, and today there is no evidence of the disease in his body. 

He took part in a clinical trial for treatment at Moffitt Cancer Center. 

“It was scary, very scary. I didn’t know anybody who had had lung cancer before,” said Cutler. 

Today he does what he can to educate people about lung cancer, because two-thirds of Americans don’t realize lung cancer is the most deadly cancer out there. 

Cutler works with the White Ribbon Project to bring more awareness. 

“I think the important thing is that if you do meet the criteria, be tested as soon as possible,” said Cutler. 

Not everyone is eligible to get a yearly CT scan to detect lung cancer. You are eligible if you are between 50 and 80 years old, and have had at least a 20 pack per year smoking history. 

Dr. Baldonado recommends people ask their doctor, and she urges providers to make sure their patients who qualify are getting the preventative scan.