Although lung cancer is the foremost cause of cancer death, it can be treated up to 90% of the time if detected early. At Boise body imaging, lung cancer screening with low-dose CT can detect lung cancer prior to symptoms development. This low-radiation, no-cost annual screening can save your or your loved ones’ life.
Lung cancer screening with low-dose CT can save a life.
More than 200,000 Americans were affected due to lung cancer in 2022 alone. It is the most frequent cause of cancer death. Like any other cancer, lung cancer is an uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells.
The symptoms of lung cancer include:
- Blood discharge when you spit or cough
- Recurring respiratory disorders
- Trouble breathing
- Enduring cough that is different or new
- ache or pain in the chest, back, or shoulder
- Hoarseness and wheezing
- exhaustion, loss of appetite, or weakness
Most of us will not notice any symptoms until lung cancer is more advanced. That is why annual screening for individuals meeting specific criteria is essential.
Lung cancer screening with low-dose CT is a medical imaging test that uses a low dose of radiation to create detailed images of the lungs. The screening is ideal for people at high risk of developing lung cancer, typically smokers around the ages of 55 and 80.
If lung cancer is caught in low-dose CT screening, the patient must undergo additional testing to confirm the diagnosis and determine the extent of the cancer. Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemoth
If the lung cancer is detected early, i.e., it still has not spread beyond the lungs, several treatment options are available, and the chances of survival are higher. Low-dose Ct screening can reduce cancer deaths by 20% in high-risk individuals.
One can perform more personalized treatment options if the cancer is detected early through screening. For example, some lung cancer tumors have specific genetic mutations that can be treated with certain medications. If these mutations are detected early, the patient may be a candidate for targeted therapy, leading to better outcomes and a higher chance of survival.
Low-dose CT screening for lung cancer can save lives by detecting them at an early stage when it is treatable and curable. It is essential for high-risk individuals to contact their healthcare provider about the benefits and risks of screening and whether it is appropriate for them.
