When it comes to lung cancer, early detection is key. In the United States, lung cancer causes more deaths than any other type of cancer. But fortunately, a preventative, low-dose computed-tomography (CT) scan can help detect lung cancer in its earliest stage, leading to better outcomes for patients.
Medicare and most insurance companies cover the cost of a lung cancer screening for those who meet certain criteria. If you smoke or smoked in the past, talk to your doctor about how a CT lung cancer screening can benefit you. November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, so there’s no better time.
A lung-cancer screening is recommended for those who meet the following criteria:
. Age 50 – 77
. Must be asymptomatic (no signs or symptoms of lung cancer)
. A smoking history of 20 pack-years
. Either a current smoker or have quit smoking within the last 15 years
. Have an order from your physician or qualified non-physician practitioner
The goal of lung cancer screening is to detect cancer before it has spread to other areas of the body. It helps identify lung nodules, the vast majority of which detected on a screening (more than 96 percent) are not cancerous.
To determine if a nodule is cancerous, follow-up scans are generally recommended to monitor and look for changes in the nodule. Your doctor will make recommendations for the proper follow-up intervals in order to monitor any nodules detected. Most often, but not always, these intervals are usually six to 12 months apart.
Screenings are not an alternative to quitting smoking. Active smokers should enter a smoking cessation program and stop the usage of all tobacco
products, as this lowers risk of lung cancer in general. For those that do quit smoking, it usually takes approximately 15 years to reduce the risk of lung cancer.
Screenings are available at Physicians Regional – Collier Boulevard and Physicians Regional – Pine Ridge. Both are designated as Lung Cancer Screening Centers by the American College of Radiology.
For more information, call the lung navigator at 239-348-4401 or email lungscreening@physiciansregional.com.
Physicians Regional Medical Group
239-348-4401