Lung cancer is one of the deadliest cancers in the world. It kills more people each year than combined colon, breast, prostate and pancreatic cancer. One of the major challenges that one faces is that lung cancer is discovered only when a person starts developing its symptoms. And these symptoms usually do not happen until the disease reaches an advanced stage.
However, a screening test called CT Lung Cancer is providing new hope to help smokers in reducing lung cancer mortality. The leading cause behind lung cancer is the heavy smoking. This new screening test helps patients with history of heavy smoking. CT is computed tomography and the scan takes less than a minute. It allows doctors to detect lung cancer at an early stage. If tumor is small, surgeon can remove it or surgery can remove the cancer completely. Depending on the size of nodules, patient may be referred for biopsy.
The new screening method can prove to save a lot of lives. As when lung cancer is diagnosed early, the survival rates are much higher. It is recommended for some current or former smokers.
CT lung cancer screening is an option for all those who are current smokers or former smokers who quit less than 15 years ago. The age should be between 55 to 74 years old and with 30 or more pack years of smoking history. Also, the current or former smokers aging 50 years or over with 20 or more pack years of smoking history and at least one additional risk factor for lung cancer are also eligible.
This screening method may be an important way but the most useful manner to lower the chance of dying from lung cancer is to stop smoking.
Share your thoughts on the story in the comments section below.