WASHINGTON — Smoking is the leading cause of death among military veterans and lung cancer is the leading cancer-related death, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

In honor of the nation’s veterans, the John P. Murtha Cancer Center at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center will host a Lung Cancer Screening Day on Wednesday.

Walter Reed says screening high-risk patients will offer a 20 percent reduction in lung cancer related deaths.

All eligible veterans can receive an evaluation to determine if a veteran is at risk for lung cancer. Those that are can enroll in a screening program that will conduct further tests.

The screening will begin 11 a.m. inside the Arrowhead Building at Walter Reed in Bethesda.

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