The best reasons to consider a lung screening

Smoking is the greatest risk factor for lung cancer. However, the majority of those who have lung cancer have never smoked or have quit smoking. The leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers is exposure to radon.

If you’re at risk of developing lung cancer, a low-dose CT lung screening could be right for you. The test is fast, easy, painless and is now covered by insurance. Most of those who are at risk aren’t aware of the benefits of this test, but if you qualify, it’s a test that can make all the difference when it comes to your health and longevity. Today we discuss four reasons to consider a lung screening:

Reason #1: Early Detection
Lung cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer. Each year, it is responsible for more deaths than breast, colorectal and prostate cancers combined. This is because when lung cancer is detected, it is usually at a more advanced stage and more difficult to treat. However, a recent study found that when lung cancer is detected early with CT screening, the survival rate is 80% after 20 years. The study also found that those with detected nodules that measured 10 mm or less (Stage 1A), the 20-year survival rate was 92%. (Source: International Early Lung Cancer Action Program)

Reason #2: More Treatment Options
When detected in its earliest stages, lung cancer may be treated with surgery, stereotactic radiation body therapy (SBRT), limited chemotherapy, immunotherapy and more, all of which are curative in nature. When detected at a later stage, treatments are more focused on managing the disease to prevent it from spreading. Such treatments are necessarily more aggressive and potentially toxic to the patient.

Reason #3: It Can Detect Other Lung Problems
In addition to lung cancer, a low-dose CT lung screening can detect early signs of pulmonary function problems and obstructive disease, such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis. It can also be used to identify Pleural disease (caused by asbestos exposure), damage related to COVID-19 infection and other pulmonary problems.

Reason #4: Peace of Mind
Most people who undergo low-dose CT lung screening receive nothing more than peace of mind… and that can be a very good thing if you have concerns about lung cancer or lung disease. This test is fast, easy and completely non-invasive. You simply lie on your back and hold your breath while the machine captures detailed images of your lungs. Your exposure to radiation is minimal, and the entire test from start to finish should take less than 30 minutes.

If you believe you’re at risk, talk with your doctor. Your doctor will discuss your risk with you, and if you’re a candidate, refer you for the test. Insurance and Medicare cover low-dose CT lung screening if you fall within the following criteria provided by the American Cancer Society:

• Age 50-80 years
• Currently smoke cigarettes or quit within the last 15 years
• Have at least a 20 pack-year history of smoking (a pack-year is the equivalent of smoking one pack of cigarettes per day for a year)

Others at risk may still have the test, but it may not be covered by their insurance. Fortunately, the cash price for this test is highly affordable. Please call us for pricing.