By Kevin Robinson — special contributor for Signature Healthcare
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, and lung cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer death in the U.S. and worldwide. Each year, more people in the U.S. die from lung cancer than from colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined.
It is challenging to treat because by the time someone has symptoms, the cancer usually has spread. And, until about 10 years ago, there was no good way to screen people for lung cancer before symptoms began. That all changed with a test that can find lung cancer early when it can be treated and cured.
The test is called a low-dose CT scan. Most people have had or at least heard of a CT scan or "CAT Scan." A CT scan is an advanced type of x-ray that creates very detailed, 3-D images. For lung cancer screening, doctors use a low-dose CT. That means it has much less radiation than a normal CT scan, which makes it safe to use for annual screening.
New Guidelines
In 2023, the American Lung Association changed its recommendations for who should be screened. It recommends a yearly lung cancer screening for anyone ages 50 to 80 who:
AND
- Has at least a 20-pack-year history of smoking
A pack-year is equal to smoking 1 pack (or about 20 cigarettes) per day for a year. For example, a person could have a 20-pack-year history by smoking 1 pack a day for 20 years, or by smoking 2 packs a day for 10 years.
Also, it doesn't matter if you quit smoking yesterday or 30 years ago. Anyone who has a 20-pack-year history of smoking should be screened. This is a big change from earlier recommendations.
So, if you are age 50 and smoked two packs a day from age 20 to age 30 when you quit, you should get screened because you are at higher risk for lung cancer than never-smokers. Quitting smoking will lower your risk of lung cancer, but even if you don't plan to quit, you still should be screened.
The screening itself takes only about a minute. You will lie on a table which will move in and out of the CT scanner. It's painless and doesn't require any injections.
Does Insurance Cover It?
Yes, most insurance plans cover lung cancer screenings for people who meet the guidelines. It's also covered by Medicare.
How to Get Screened
You should talk with your primary care provider who can make you an appointment. If you don't have a primary care provider, you can visit one of Signature Healthcare's Urgent Care clinics and talk with one of our providers.
If you meet the screening criteria, don't wait. Get screened. It might save your life.
More Information
Signature Healthcare Low-Dose Lung Screening
American Lung Association Updates Lung Cancer Screening Guidelines
Facts about Lung Cancer
