When we think of preventive medicine and screening for cancer, we often think of mammograms and colonoscopies.
These regular diagnostic exams are critical for early detection of breast and colon cancer, and you likely either get them done at your doctor’s recommendation or are at least aware that they often save lives.
But did you know lung cancer screening is just as important to early detection as those other tests and you may be eligible for a yearly checkup?
Lung cancer is responsible for the most cancer-related deaths in men and women in the U.S. When detected early, lung cancer is more successfully treatable, and noninvasive screenings are a key diagnostic tool in the process.
Throughout my career several projects attempted to improve the outlook for lung cancer patients by screening large groups with either chest x-rays, analysis of coughed up sputum samples or some combination. It’s not been until CT (or CAT) scans were entered into the tool kit that real progress was made. Today, we’re fortunate that the scanning process has evolved to a very safe, fast, and accurate technique that’s been shown to help save lives.
During a lung cancer screening, a specialized scanner produces a detailed computerized image of the lungs. This low-dose computerized tomography (CT) scan is painless and uses 75 percent less radiation than a traditional CT scan. Imaging takes only a few minutes, and you can resume regular activities right after the scan.
So, to recap, that’s a quick, easy, painless procedure that helps you keep tabs on your lung health if you’re at risk for developing lung cancer. And there’s no recovery time.
We should think of lung cancer screening the way we think of those other preventive exams, as necessary for staying on top of our health. For now, the eligibility criteria for yearly lung cancer screening is more specific than with breast or colon cancer, but your primary care physician can help you decide if you meet the criteria.
Patients are eligible for lung cancer screening if they DO NOT have any symptoms of lung cancer and meet ALL of the following criteria:
• Are between the ages of 50 and 77
• Have a 30-pack-year history of smoking (smoked an average of one pack a day for 30 years, two packs a day for 15 years, etc.)
• Smoke or quit smoking within the last 15 years
After the scan, results are analyzed and shared with you and your doctor. If the results show no cause for concern, you’ll continue yearly screenings to be sure your lungs are staying healthy. If further testing is needed, your doctor will work with you on next steps and you’ll make a care plan tailored to your needs.
Geisinger’s lung cancer screening program has been active for about a year and half and screens roughly 2,500 patients a year. If you’re not sure if you may be eligible for lung cancer screening, you can learn more by visiting geisinger.org/lungcancerscreening or calling 570-600-6883.