Should You Get Screened for Lung Cancer?
8/16/2024
Kirksville, MO – Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. In the U.S., more than 127,000 people lose their lives annually. An estimated 1 in 16 people will be diagnosed with lung cancer in their lifetime. Missouri is number seven on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2021 rankings based on the incidence of lung cancer. While there are more cases of female breast cancer than lung cancer in Missouri, the number of deaths from lung cancer is higher.
Despite the statistics, the number of people being screened for lung cancer falls far behind those screened for breast or colon cancers. This is an especially dangerous oversight if you are, or have been, a heavy smoker. Screening is looking for cancer before you have any symptoms, which can help find cancer at an early stage when it may be easier to treat.
“Patients whose lung cancer is detected in the earliest stage have a much better chance of survival,” says Dr. Tysen Petre, family medicine. “Conversely, survival rates for lung cancer are quite low when it’s diagnosed in the later stages of the disease. Through CT screening, we can catch the tumor early and offer the patient more treatment options, and more time for those treatments to work.” Dr. Petre also states, “Many tobacco users over the age of 50 should undergo lung cancer screening.”
According to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, annual screening with low-dose computed tomography (CT scan) is recommended for those who are:
- Adults aged 50 to 77 years;
- Asymptomatic (no signs or symptoms of lung cancer);
- Tobacco smoking history of at least 20 pack –years (one pack-year= smoking one pack per day for one year.) (ex. 1 pack a day for 20 years/2 packs a day for 10 years);
- Current smoker or one who has quit smoking within the last 15 years; and
- Physician’s Order written after Lung Cancer Screening Counseling and Shared Decision Making visit. Low Dose CT Lung Screening Request Form (Form RAD-2701) must be utilized. If the state department of health supports the screening being performed without a physician order, the state’s approval must be in writing and kept on file for reference when asked.
A low-dose CT scan uses an X-ray machine to scan the body with low doses of radiation to make detailed pictures of the lungs. If you or a loved one meets the guidelines above, you should speak to your doctor about a screening plan. Lung cancer frequently has no symptoms at all in the early stages, contributing to the higher mortality rate.
There are currently no specific Lung Cancer screening guidelines for non-smokers. Dr. Petre says that the number one cause of lung cancer in non-smokers is Radon gas. The presence of Radon gas in homes is a fairly common problem in Missouri. It can be detected by conducting special testing in your home, and can be mitigated with special equipment to make your home safe. You can discuss this testing with your Real Estate Agent.
To find a doctor who can help you learn more about your risk for lung cancer and need for screening, visit nermc.com/find-a-doctor to find a physician.
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