Lung Cancer and Screening
Whether you are an active smoker or quit years ago, undergoing a lung cancer screening can aid in the early detection of lung cancer, when it is most treatable and offers the greatest chance of survival. CT scan screening for lung cancer is now officially recommended by Medicare, American College of Chest Physicians, American Association of Thoracic Surgery, AMA, and American Cancer Society.
Does lung cancer screening really work?
for those at greatest risk, such as people over the age of 55 who meet certain criteria.
The final and most convincing proof that screening works, comes from the National Lung Cancer Screening Trial where > 50,000 people were randomized to either a chest x-ray or a low dose chest CT scan once per year. Lung masses were found more often in the CT group than in the CXR group (27.3% vs. 9.2%) because the CT can see much smaller masses than the CXR. To be in the trial, all patients had to be > 55 years and smoked at least 1 pack per day for 30 years. The study showed a 20% reduction in death from lung cancer in the screened group.
Unfortunately, lung cancer is usually found at an advanced stage that is not curable, so it kills more people than breast, colon and prostate cancer combined. That’s why it is important to get screened for lung cancer if you have a history of smoking. Screening programs help find cancer at an earlier stage, where it is more curable with better survival rates.
Lung Cancer Detection:
What are the first common signs of lung cancer?
The first common signs of lung cancer can be subtle and often resemble other respiratory conditions. Persistent coughing that worsens over time, sometimes with blood or rust-colored sputum, is a notable early sign. Shortness of breath, wheezing, and chest pain that intensifies with deep breaths, coughing, or laughter may also occur. Additionally, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and recurrent respiratory infections like bronchitis or pneumonia can indicate lung cancer. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to seek medical advice promptly. Early detection through lung cancer screening can significantly improve outcomes, so discuss your symptoms and screening options with your healthcare provider.
Who should undergo screening for lung cancer?
- Age 55-80 years
- People who have smoked at least 1 pack per day for 20 years (20-pack years)
- Or current smokers or former smokers who quit smoking within the last 15 years
Click here to watch a video about the lung screening program and eligibility criteria. Click here to find a screening location near you.
What is the screening test?
A low-dose CT scan is designed to look for signs of lung cancer even before symptoms are present. Because a low-dose CT scan involves a lower amount of radiation exposure than a traditional CT scan, it is the only effective, proven way to screen for lung cancer. Between 3% and 51% of the CT scans will show a mass in the lung. Of the people with a mass in the lung, between 1% and 5% have cancer.
CT scans are highly effective for lung cancer screening because they provide detailed cross-sectional images of the lungs. These scans can detect small nodules or masses that might be indicative of cancer, often before symptoms appear. This early detection is crucial, as it significantly improves the chances of successful treatment. Unlike standard X-rays, CT scans can identify even minute abnormalities, making them a preferred method for screenings.
What happens during a lung cancer screening?
- A lung cancer screening specialist will prepare you for what to expect from the screening.
- You will undergo a low-dose chest CT scan.
- After the scan, you will receive the results from your lung cancer screening specialist.
- You may also want to discuss your results with your physician or qualified nurse practitioner.
- Our team will let your doctor know your results, so he or she can recommend next steps if needed.
Who should review the CT scan with you?
The CT scan should be reviewed by a radiologist with special expertise in evaluating lung masses or a specialist (e.g. a thoracic surgeon) who frequently evaluates screening CT scans with masses. Because <5% of masses found by screening are cancer, an expert is needed to determine which nodules to follow and which to diagnosis or treat.
Who pays for the screening CT (computed tomography)?
A screening CT for lung cancer is covered by Medicare and most insurance companies, such as Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Aetna, and United Health Care. You can call the phone number on the back of your health insurance card to make sure that your insurance carrier covers lung cancer screening. The scan can be scheduled by calling (310) 829-8686.
If you have questions regarding Lung Cancer Screening or Treatment, please call today. Click here to request a screening appointment.
