LISTEN: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths according to the latest report from the American Lung Association. It also highlights the importance of early detection. GPB’s Ellen Eldridge has more.

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According to the American Lung Association's "State of Lung Cancer" report, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States.

If you are a current or former smoker, a one-minute lung scan can save your life by diagnosing lung cancer early. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths, with a survival rate of about 28% after five years, according to the latest state of lung cancer report from the American Lung Association.

But if a lung screening catches Stage I or II cancer, the survival rate is in the 90th percentile, Dr. Bobby Mahajan, a spokesperson with the Lung Association, said.

People between the ages of 50 and 80 who smoked 20 “pack years” are most at risk of lung cancer.

"Meaning we multiply the number of packs per day by the number of years they've smoked," he said. "So, one pack per day for 20 years is 20 pack years or someone who has smoked, is currently smoking or has quit in the last 15 years. Those people qualify for lung cancer screening."

The lung cancer screening involves a quick, low-dose CT scan that allows doctors to find nodules early and start treatment. Patients can check their eligibility for lung screening online and discuss the results with their doctor.