With over 200,000 new cases of lung cancer in the United States this year alone, it's important for all people, smokers or not, to be aware of the symptoms of lung cancer. Main Street Radiology’s board certified specialists have been serving the Queens community for almost 50 years with lung screenings, treating patients with the care they deserve. With an MRI, other advanced diagnostic tools, and a compassionate staff, you can trust your treatment to this practice.

In honor of Lung Cancer Awareness month, the specialists share five facts about lung cancer:

• Doesn’t Just Affect Smokers: Although smoking is the most significant risk factor for lung cancer, 13% of patients diagnosed with the deadly disease have never smoked. Other factors include sustained exposure to asbestos or other pollutants, and genetic predisposition.
• Quitting Smoking Is Crucial: If you are a smoker, though, countless medical and social resources are available to help. Set a quit date, join a support group, ask your doctor about nicotine patches or gum and try meditation or yoga to de-stress.
• Leading Cause of Cancer Deaths: Although lung cancer is the leading cause for cancer deaths, many deaths might be avoided if tumors are detected at an early stage.
• Lung Cancer Symptoms: Call your doctor immediately if you experience a persistent cough, hoarseness, deep pain in the chest or upper-back, shortness of breath, wheezing, bloody phlegm, recurring chest infections, loss of appetite, or abnormal breast growth in men.
• An MRI Helps Early Detection: Magnetic Resonance Imaging uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio waves to make pictures of internal organs. Recent advances in MRI technology have improved diagnostic sensitivity for early detection of lung cancer, even before symptoms appear.

If you're concerned about cancer, set up an appointment for a lung screening today. Main Street Radiology has offices in Bayside, Flushing, and Jackson Heights. Visit their website or call (718) 428-1500 for information about MRI lung screenings, open view PET-CT scanning, 3-D digital mammograms and more.