Lung Cancer Screening: Are you a Candidate?
What is a CT Lung Cancer Screening?
A CT Lung Cancer Screening is a tool intended for individuals considered to be at high risk for developing lung cancer. The exam is performed on a helical CT Scanner, which evaluates your lungs for any signs of lung cancer. The goal of a screening exam is to detect disease as its earliest stage. This lung cancer screening test is performed using a low dose CT protocol which offers the lowest possible exposure to radiation. A written order from a qualified health professional is required prior to your exam.
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Who needs a Lung Cancer Screening CT?
The American Lung Association defines the criteria for this screening as being:
- Any current or former smoker with a 30-pack per year history
- Men and women ages 55 to 74
- No history of lung cancer
- Current smokers or someone who has quit smoking within the last 15 years
Other risk factors include exposure to asbestos or airway obstructive disease. Non-smokers concerned about their risks from environmental exposure like asbestos, radon gas or substantial exposure to second hand smoke should consult their physician to see if they are a candidate for this screening procedure.
How do I Learn More about Lung Cancer Low Dose CT Screening?
It is important to educate yourself about the benefits of this screening tool. Please talk to your licensed health care professional about your personal situation. Click the button for some educational links on lung cancer low does CT Screening.
Educational Links about Lung Cancer CT Screening
- https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=screening-lung
- http://www.lung.org/lung-disease/ lung-cancer/lung-cancer-screening-guidelines/
- http://lung.org/lung-disease/
- http:// uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/uspslung.htm
Some Facts about Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is the leading cancer killer in both men and women in the United States. Over 150,000 Americans are expected to die from lung cancer a year. Lung cancer causes more deaths than the next three most common cancers combined (colon, breast and pancreatic). www.lung.org
Only 16% of lung cancers are diagnosed at the earliest most curable stages. However, if caught early on through the detection using CT lung cancer screening, patients can increase their treatment options and their survival rate.
The National Cancer Institute performed an eight-year trial of 53,000 smokers and ex-smokers. The results shown using CT for screening for lung cancer instead of chest x-ray reduced cancer deaths from lung cancer by 20% over five years.
For more facts on lung cancer go to http://www.lung.org/lung-disease/lung-cancer/resources/facts-figures/lung-cancer-fact-sheet.html.
Schedule a CT Lung Screening Exam
For more information on CT lung cancer screening or request an appointment online. please call one of our partner hospitals listed below:
Inova Alexandria Hospital – 703-504-7950
Inova Mount Vernon Hospital – 703-664-7462
