Lowering Your Risk and Getting Screened: Delaware County Public Health and Regional Family Health Recognize Lung Cancer Awareness Month

Lowering Your Risk and Getting Screened: Delaware County Public Health and Regional Family Health Recognize Lung Cancer Awareness Month

November 20, 2025 in Family Practice, News, Public Health

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Delaware County Public Health (DCPH), along with Regional Family Health (RFH) and the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (Iowa HHS) are working together to increase awareness among Iowans of the risk factors for lung cancer and provide information about lung cancer screening. Lung cancer is the number one cause of cancer deaths in Iowa. 

Cigarette smoking is the leading risk factor for lung cancer, according to the CDC, with radon also being a major risk factor. Having a risk factor does not mean that someone will get cancer; it means that someone has a higher chance of developing cancer. While some risk factors, like age, can’t be changed, others can be controlled. Cigarette smoking is linked to about 80% to 90% of lung cancer deaths in the U.S., many cigarette smokers are 15 to 30 times more likely to get lung cancer than non-smokers.

Some Iowans qualify for lung cancer screening. Lung cancer screenings can help detect tumors earlier, when they are more treatable. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends yearly lung cancer screening with low dose computed tomography (LDCT scan) for people who: 

• Have a 20 year-pack a day (one pack a day for 20 years or two packs a day for 10 years) or more smoking history, and
• Smoke now or have quit within the past 15 years, and
• Are between 50 and 80 years old. 

For more information about lung cancer screenings, visit: cdc.gov/lung-cancer/screening/

DCPH is here to protect and promote the overall health and wellness of all residents in Delaware County. Visit our website to learn more regmedctr.org/publichealth.