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Lung cancer is a serious disease responsible for more than 25% of all sad results of cancer.  All people have different levels of risk to develop this disease. For people with high risk regular examinations are a must because early detection and treatment give better chance for a good outcome. However, even for people with lower and low risk to contract lung cancer regular examinations could be beneficial. Modern low-dose CT (computed tomography) scans provide a reliable way to detect lung cancer early, with a low risk of problems due to exposure from the test itself. These scans are an important part of an overall health risk assessment for disease prevention, as the scientific evidence now shows.

Why screen for lung cancer?

People who are at risk for developing lung cancer include people who smoke regularly, people who have quit smoking within the past 15 years, people who are regularly exposed to second hand smoke, people exposed to radon, and people exposed to carcinogens at work. Some people may also have hereditary risk factors, such as “cancer genes” or family patterns of health that may lead to a higher risk for cancer. By far, smoking or a history of smoking is the largest risk factors related to lung cancer. If a patient falls into one of these categories, they will want to participate in health and wellness monitoring. Lung cancer often develops with no early symptoms. By the time coughing, blood in the phlegm and shortness of breath appear, the cancer is already advancing and aggressive treatment will be required. Considering this fact, screening makes sense for people who are at any level of risk. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that people with a history of heavy smoking (one pack per day for 30 or more years) who are of a certain age undergo screening for lung cancer. The doctor can help to determine what risk factors a patient carries and whether or not screening is the right option.

What screening methods are used to detect lung cancer?

Currently the only recommended screening test for lung cancer is low dose computed tomography, also known as low dose CT scan. During this screening test, an X-ray machine is used to scan the lungs and related tissues. A low dose of radiation during the scan allows the machine to record detailed, quality  pictures of the lungs. This detects small abnormalities in tissue that were mostly not detectable through conventional radiographic screening methods. The screening process can detect lung cancer in the early stages, before physical symptoms appear.

What are the risks of a low dose CT scan?

Many people express concerns over undergoing regular  low dose CT scans since the test exposes them to radiation. A recent study shows that, while the risk of developing cancer from exposure to the low dose radiation does exist, it is very small in comparison to the benefit the test provides. This study, published in The BMJ in February 2017, used data from the COSMOS study conducted in Milan, Italy between 2004 and 2015. Over the 10 years of the study, 5203 subjects  underwent 42,248 low dose CT scans and 635 PET CT scans. The screenings detected 259 cases of lung cancer over the 10 years. Out of the 5203 subjects in the study, 2.4 cases of cancer resulting from exposure to the low dose radiation from the CT scans were identified, resulting in a risk of cancer due to exposure to the low dose CT scan of 0.05%. The conclusion of the study was that the risk of developing cancer from the exposure to low dose radiation was acceptable compared to the rate of early detection experienced by the subjects of the study and subsequent early, life-saving treatment for lung cancer.

Will health insurance cover low dose CT screening for lung cancer?

In the United States, screening for lung cancer by low dose CT scan will be covered by insurance under mandates specified by the Affordable Care Act (ACA). In addition, Medicare also covers one screening per year with the following conditions:

-Patients  must be of a certain age

- Patients must be symptom free

- Patients must currently smoke or have quit smoking within the past 15 years

- Patients must have a smoking history of one pack per day for 30 or more years

- Patients must have a prescription for the screening from their doctor

 

If patients are  at-risk for the development of lung cancer, it will be important for them to determine their  coverage options through the insurance, especially if patients do not meet the requirements for mandatory coverage. Low dose CT scans are expensive procedures and could be cost prohibitive if patients  do not have coverage.

What is the best action to take?

Based on the above evidence, the benefits of regular screening through low dose CT scans clearly outweigh the risks of exposure to radiation. The risk is low compared to the risk of missing a tumor and letting the condition go until it is too late to treat. Due to the concerns over exposure to radiation and the cost of the test, however, it is important for a patient to monitor his or her risk factors at home to help to determine when to undergo screening. By completing health screening at home, a patient can provide the doctor with a running record of his or her health metrics which may support a need for lung cancer screening. For more information about home health testing visit: www.thequantihealth.com .