Lung Cancer Screening Guidelines Get And Tests, Save Lives

Lung Cancer Screening Guidelines Get And Tests

Although lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related deaths in the US, it is also one of the most avoidable diseases. The American Cancer Society (ACS) recently updated its lung cancer screening guidelines to make it easier for people to get tested, as early detection is crucial to survival.

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Which guidelines apply to screening for lung cancer now?

Lung Cancer Screening Guidelines Get And Tests

Adults aged 50 to 80 who have smoked 20 packs or more years should undergo a low-dose CT scan each year as part of the new American Cancer Society guidelines for lung cancer screening. This implies that you qualify for screening if you smoked one pack of cigarettes a day for twenty years, or two packs a day for ten years.

Only adults between the ages of 55 and 80 who had a 30-pack-year smoking history and were either current smokers or had quit within the previous 15 years were eligible for screening under the previous guidelines.

Why are the updated rules more comprehensive?

Lung Cancer Screening Guidelines Get And Tests

The new guidelines are more inclusive because studies have shown that individuals who have quit smoking more than 15 years ago or who have smoked fewer than 30 pack-years can also develop lung cancer.

Furthermore, studies have demonstrated that lung cancer screening, even in individuals who have given up smoking, can save lives. For instance, a recent study discovered that the annual low-dose CT scan screening group had a 20% lower risk of dying from lung cancer than the unscreened group.

How does screening for lung cancer operate?

Lung Cancer Screening Guidelines Get And Tests

The process of screening for lung cancer is easy and painless. A CT scanner will scan your lungs and place you on a table to take pictures of them. The purpose of the CT scan is to detect any abnormal growths or spots that might be cancerous.

In order to confirm the diagnosis, your doctor will arrange for further testing if the CT scan reveals anything unusual. Your doctor can suggest more likely-to-be effective treatment options if the cancer is discovered early.

advantages of screening for lung cancer

Screening for lung cancer has the following advantages:

Lung Cancer Screening Guidelines Get And Tests

• Lung cancer should be detected early, while it is most treatable
• improved patient outcomes, such as extended survival periods
• comfort in knowing that you’re taking precautions to keep your health safe

Lung Cancer Screening Guidelines Get And Tests: Speak with your doctor right away to find out if you qualify for a lung cancer screening. Screening for lung cancer can save your life and is both safe and effective.