Raising awareness for lung cancer

In Salisbury, one organized event was put together with the goal of shining a light on lung cancer.

This is the fourth year of the Shine A Light on Lung Cancer event, and we're told this event is held worldwide to raise awareness.

The goal of the event is to get the word out about early detection through screenings.

Lung cancer has the lowest five year survival rate among common cancers, at 18 percent.

"I got lung cancer.  I got two different kinds," said Deena Cooke with the Lung Cancer Alliance.  "So people need to know that even if they quit smoking ten years ago, they're still at risk.  Everyone's at risk to get lung cancer because they have lungs.  If you have a high risk because of your smoking history get tested."

PRMC is now offering lung cancer screenings with low dosage CT scans for those who are eligible.  Those eligible include folks between 55 and 80 with no signs or symptoms of lung cancer and a smoking history of at least 30 years, or are currently smoking, or quit within the last 15 years.