Page 16 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, MArCH 22, 2024 Say nir Sa a y Senior Seni by Jim Miller Who Should Be Screened for Lung Cancer? Dear Savvy Senior, Who should be screened for lung cancer and how it’s covered by Medicare? I used to smoke but quit many years ago and am wondering if I need to be tested. Just Turned 65 Dear Just Turned, Even if you haven’t touched a cigarette in decades, you could still be due for an annual lung cancer screening, based on new recommendations from the American Cancer Society (ACS). The new guidelines state that adults ages 50 to 80 who currently smoke or used to smoke the equivalent of one pack a day for 20 years should get an annual low -dose computed tomography scan (also called a CT scan), no matter how long ago you quit. ACS guidelines previously said that those who quit 15 or more years ago were in the clear. But new studies have shown that expanding screening eligibility saves lives, even among people who quit smoking years earlier. Early Detection Saves Lives Lung cancer is the deadliest cancer in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 234,580 new cases are expected to be diagnosed in 2024, and about 125,070 Americans will die from the disease. While lung cancer can occur in anyone at any age, cigarette smoking is the top risk factor and is linked to about 80 to 90 percent of lung cancer deaths, and most people diagnosed with the disease are age 65 or older. What makes lung cancer especially tricky is that it’s often symptomless until it’s at an advanced stage, when it’s harder to treat. Early detection can lead to a 20 to 25 percent imPROJECTS | FROM PAGE 2 ing. By synchronizing these two separately funded projects, the Town will both optimize the use of state funding assistance and streamline the projects’ timelines. Throughout the duration of construction, residents and businesses are advised of potential parking restrictions within the designated work zones. To facilitate the smooth progression of the project, traffi c detours will be implemented as necessary. “We extend our thanks to provement in survival rates, resulting in fewer deaths from lung cancer. But a 2022 report from the American Lung Association found that only 5.8 percent of people eligible for lung cancer screening in the U.S. get screened, and the screening rate is as low as 1 percent in some states. Screening & Coverage If you fall into the population eligible for a lung cancer screening, start by speaking with your doctor, even if it’s been a long time since you smoked. Medicare Part B will cover lung cancer screenings with a low-dose CT scan once a year for people ages 50 to 77 who are current smokers or quit in the last 15 years and have a 20-pack-year history. Patients must have an order from their doctor or health care provider and should not have symptoms of lung cancer. A low-dose CT scan is a noninvasive test where you lie down and hold your breath while being moved through a doughnut-shaped X-ray machine. The scan takes several X-ray images of the lungs and can help to identify possible abnormalities in the lung tissue. There are some potential risks with this screening, including the possibility of false positives, which can lead to more scans or invasive procedures. According to the American Lung Association about 12 to 14 percent of lung cancer screening scans will have a false positive, which is about the same rate as with mammograms. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book. residents and businesses of Saugus for their patience and cooperation during this important improvement project,” Town Manager Crabtree said. “Thank you to the MassDOT for this much-needed project and the funding,” he said. The anticipated completion date for the project is the end of April, depending upon weather conditions. Should members of the community have any inquiries or require further information, they are encouraged to contact the Saugus Department of Public Works at 781-231-4143. nior ior Margaret E. (Williams) Parziale OBITUARIES George L. LaPia Daniel P. Murphy II O f Saugus. Died on March 14th at Bear Hill Healthcare in Wakefi eld at the age of 95. She was the wife of the late Michael A. Parziale. Born in Detroit, Michigan and raised in Everett, she was the daughter of the late Richard and Maude (Phipps) Williams. A graduate of the American Academy of Dance, A resident of Saugus since 1956, Mrs. Parziale was the owner and operator of the Margaret Williams School of Dance for many years. Mrs. Parziale is survived by her son; Kevin Parziale and his wife JoAnn of Belmont, NH, her daughter in law Deborah A. Parziale of Peabody, grandchildren; Christopher Parziale, Michael Parziale, Richard Parziale, Sarah Thomas and 9 great grandchildren. She was pre-deceased by her son Richard Parziale. Relatives and friends were invited to attend an hour of visitation in the Bisbee-Porcella Funeral Home, Saugus, on a Tuesday, March 19. A graveside service was held at Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, Peabody. In lieu of fl owers donations in her memory may be made to Dana Farber Cancer Center @dana-farber.org. SOUNDS | FROM PAGE 14 Stephen Stout and Colin Waitt. “Puff s” (Two Act Edition) is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. For more information and to purchase tickets, see the Theatre Company of Saugus webO f Saugus, formerly of East Boston. Died on Sunday, March 10th at Salem Hospital at the age of 67. He was the beloved husband of Robin (McDonald) LaPia with whom he shared 39 years of marriage. Born and raised in East Boston, Mr. LaPia was the son of the late George L. and Barbara (Ferguson) LaPia. A resident of Saugus for the past 27 years, he was a former manager for PJ’s Pets and Healthy Pet. George enjoyed listening to music and hunting. In addition to his wife, Mr. LaPia is survived by his six children, Crystal (LaPia) Quigley of E. Boston, Keith LaPia and his wife Shelley Evirs of Revere, Ryan LaPia, Corey LaPia, Stacy McDonald and Cassea LaPia all of Saugus; six grandchildren, Thomas, Alyssa, Joshua, Zack, Jesse and Kane; three siblings, Eileen Parker of Everett, Nancy Meena of PA and John Michael LaPia of PA; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation in the Bisbee-Porcella Funeral Home, 549 Lincoln Ave., Saugus on Wednesday, March 20. site at TCSaugus.org. About The Saugus Advocate We welcome press releases, news announcements, freelance articles and courtesy photos from the community. Our deadline is noon Wednesday. If you have a story idea, an article or photo O f Saugus. Entered into eternal rest on Fr iday, March 15, 2024 in the Lahey Clinic Medical Center in Burlington after being in failing health. He was 67 years old. Born in Cambridge, Dan lived in Saugus for many years. He worked as a machinist for Sonoco Packaging. Dear son of the late Daniel P. and Helen (Pallo) Murphy; husband of the late Anna M. (Smith) Murphy; dear and devoted father of Daniel P. Murphy, III and his wife, Jennifer of Wellesley, Kristen Cassarino and her husband, Anthony of Saugus and Alexandra Murphy of Saugus; brother of Michael Murphy of Malden and the late Thomas Murphy and Karen DelloRusso; and loving grandfather of Jacob and Kyle Murphy and Dominik, Caylee and Ella Cassarino. Relatives and friends were respectfully invited to attend Dan’s visitation and a prayer service in the Cafasso & Sons Funeral Home, 65 Clark St. (Corner of Main St.) Everett, Wednesday, March 20. Burial was private. to submit, please email me at mvoge@comcast.net or leave a message at 978-6837773. Let us become your hometown newspaper. The Saugus Advocate is available in the Saugus Public Library, the Saugus Senior Center, Saugus Town Hall, local convenience stores and restaurants throughout town.
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