If you’ve smoked at least a pack of cigarettes per day, you probably know you’re at higher risk for lung cancer. You may not know a new type of lung cancer screening can now find this deadly disease while it’s still treatable.
Lung cancer, the second most common cancer in both men and women, accounts for about 27 percent of all cancer deaths.
Low-dose CT scan detects cancer early
This screening is based on a national trial involving about 26,000 patients, including 3,000 recruited locally by Marshfield Clinic Research Foundation.
“This study clearly showed that screening eligible people with a low-dose CT (computed tomography) scan could detect cancer at its earliest stages, when it is most treatable and before any symptoms appear,” said Dr. Joel McCauley, a Marshfield Clinic pulmonary medicine specialist who helped set up the Clinic’s screening program. “We now believe we can reduce deaths due to cancer by 20 percent.”
That translates to saving the lives of about 50,000 high-risk people nationally. Based on these and other study results, this safe and accurate screening using a low dose of radiation is now recognized as a standard of care that must be covered by all insurers for patients who qualify.
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Who qualifies for lung cancer screening?
To qualify, people must be age 55-80 with no lung cancer symptoms who smoked at least 30 pack-years. A pack-year means smoking at least one pack of cigarettes a day for 30 years, two packs for 15 years, or three packs for 10 years. These people have already been identified through Marshfield Clinic’s electronic medical records.
For more information about low-dose CT lung cancer screening, contact your doctor’s office.
I'm a non smoking 56 year old male. My mother who was a non smoker was diagnosed with lung cancer at 61 and died at 64. My occupation has me exposed to diesel exhaust the last 11 years and regular small engine exhaust the last 30 years, outdoors. Any thoughts? Thanks.
Hi, Dave. Thank you for reading and we appreciate your comment. We cannot give individualized health advice on this forum, so recommend you discuss your family history and occupation with your doctor if you are concerned about your lung cancer risk. If you do not have a doctor, please visit the Clinic's appointment page; one of our providers would be happy to go over your circumstances with you: https://www.marshfieldclinic.org/appointments
I hope this helps. -Kirstie
Not sure this is an early detection of lung cancer when you have to wait until your 55 to get screened. My brother died of lung cancer at age 49.
My aunt used to smoke 30 years ago about 2 1/2 packs a day. Her doctor recommended her for a screening even though she had no symptoms and sure enough, she had lung cancer stage two. ince they caught it early they believe they got it all. This screening literally save her life.
Val,
That is so great to hear and thank you for sharing. Glad to hear they caught it in your aunt.
Jake
I am interested. Does insurance cover this screening?
Hi, Sally,
I recommend you check with your insurance provider as plans vary.
Thank you,
Jake
I would like to be screened. I have been a pack a day smoker for 30 years or more.
Thank you.
Hi, Thomas,
Please contact your health care provider, who can help set up the next steps for screening.
Take care,
Jake
Too bad your screening for previous Cancer victims isn't better. I did a follow-up screening in October something was noted and I was told to return for another scan in 6 months. I went elsewhere had a biopsy-Cancer. Will be starting radiation. Thank God I went elsewhere.
I would like to be screened
Hi, Sharon,
Please call your health care provider, who can assist you with taking the next steps to be screened.
Thanks,
Jake