
EMERGENCY CARE | February 13, 2025
Each emergency room interaction is an opportunity for a fresh assessment of a patient in the context of a specific problem.
The importance of early lung cancer screening and treatment cannot be overstated. According to the World Health Organization, nearly 20% of all cancer deaths are due to lung cancer. And although lung cancer and breast cancer are diagnosed at the same rate, lung cancer kills more people per year than breast, colon and prostate cancers combined.
In support of World Lung Cancer Day, we at [nap_names id=”FIRM-NAME-1″], want to make sure our readers know that early detection is key to survival when it comes to lung cancer. Screening is recommended for those at high risk for lung cancer because of a long smoking history. Screening is designed for eligible smokers even if they appear healthy and show no signs of illness, because usually it’s too late to cure lung cancer by the time outward symptoms appear. Screening is a relatively simple procedure that involves a low-dose computerized tomography scan (CT Scan) of the chest.
As with many cancer screenings, screening and early detection lead to a better chance of recovery and cure. Smokers who should get annual screening are:
While peoples’ smoking habits likely change over time, it is best to try and determine a total amount for all the years of smoking and share this information with your medical team so they can determine if you are eligible for screening. Patients need to be honest and forthcoming about their smoking history, and physicians must determine eligibility and recommend screening within the guidelines.
CT Scanning detects lung nodules in the lungs, but many are not cancerous. On the other hand, cancerous nodules if not removed early spread and are fatal. So along with the benefits of screening, there are some risks:
Everyone’s health is different, so smokers should discuss lung cancer screening with their doctors. Patients need to be honest and forthright about their smoking history. Doctors need to determine eligibility and recommend lung cancer screening for those eligible. Screening makes a difference and saves lives.
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