If you are or know someone who is a current or former heavy smoker, getting screened with a low dose chest CT scan for lung cancer can be life saving.
A recent study from MD Anderson Cancer Center at the University of Texas showed that by using this method for early detection, it could cut the risk of dying from lung cancer by 20%. An official at the center stated that “there’s nothing short of stopping smoking or never starting smoking that has that sort of impact – that’s huge.”
Cancer doctors and others predicted that the study’s results would soon lead to widespread use of chest CT scans, focusing on older heavy smokers who have a one in 10 chance of contracting lung cancer.
As the saying goes, it’s so easy to start but very difficult to stop smoking. Some people such as Dianne Reeves (wife of actor Christopher Reeves) had never started smoking, developed the disease, and sadly died from it. Further advances in genetic testing will be able to determine which people are at higher risk for this awful disease, even if you’ve never smoked. Smokers, and particularly heavy smokers, are still at the highest risk of lung and potentially other cancers.
Getting a CT screening can be a great way for early detection of cancer. This doesn’t mean that every smoker should line up for a chest CT scan. The exam involves a rather significant amount of radiation and has some downside considerations. This can include false alarms that may lead to unnecessary surgery as well as increased exposure to radiation, which has its own health concerns.
Radiologists recommend that you should keep a record of your X-rays, CT scans and other radiation tests. Make sure and alert your doctor if you think they’re requesting a test that you may have already had. The FDA is planning a nationwide registry to track the radiation used in scans and warn institutions if they’re using too much.
Radiation testing (such as chest X-rays) can also detect spots and damage to the lungs from smoking. This type of damage is usually permanent and the body cannot repair itself. Lung spots or lesions may point to a much more serious condition such as cancer. If detected, you should discuss all the possibilities with your doctor.
People that are over the age of 50 and have a history of heavy smoking (a pack or more/day for at least 20 yrs) are the most likely candidates for getting an annual low dose chest CT scan screening. There are very few options for lung cancer once it’s established. Detecting it early, at this time, is the best way to improve survivability rates and save lives.
[Footnote: Link to MD Anderson study article]
