Many smokers have tried to quit because they know their health may suffer, but have found it difficult since smoking and nicotine are so addictive.  According to the American Cancer Institute, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States and between 80 and 90% of lung cancer deaths are due to smoking.

Smoking contributes other forms of cancers as well such as throat, mouth, stomach, kidney and bladder cancers.

In this episode of Radio Smart Talk, experts from PinnacleHealth weigh in on the dangers of smoking, why it's so tough for people to quit smoking, and offer some different tools that may help.

Listen to the conversation:

PinnacleHealth's Pulmonary Nodule Clinic, which helps diagnose masses on the lung, can be reached at 1-855-855-LUNG (or 1-855-855-5864) or (717) 231-8399. The phone number for its Lung Cancer Screening hotline, which will begin taking calls Monday, August 15th, is 1-800-654-0924.

Benefits of Lung Cancer Screening (from PinnacleHealth)

• Better Chance for a Cure - Lung cancer is the number one cancer related cause of death in the United States, with more than 150,000 Americans expected to die from this disease this year alone. Finding lung cancer early offers you the best chance for a cure. 
• Early Diagnosis and Treatment - Because lung cancer often causes no symptoms in the early stages, having a screening study is the best way to ensure early diagnosis and treatment.
• Reduction in Mortality - Screening with a low-dose CT scan is proven to reduce death from this disease by 20%, and is recommended for individuals at risk for lung cancer.

The following individuals should be screened:

• Ages 55 - 74
• Smoked the equivalent of 1 pack daily for 30 years

Has it been hard for you to quit?  If you've had success, what's worked for you?  Please leave a comment.