Tuesday, July 17, 2018

Early Screening for Lung Cancer

Early Detection for Lung Cancer
When lung cancer presents visible symptoms, it can be assumed that the cancer has spread to other organs and its treatment is likely to fail. This is one of the biggest reasons why lung cancer is one of the most deadly cancers, and why early testing can be the difference between life and death.

Almost all cancer research suggests that early detection is the most important factor for successful cancer fighting, and in this case, this fact needs to be more emphasized.



What Causes Lung Cancer?
Although the exact cause of lung cancer is unknown, smoking is the largest and most consistent risk factor for this disease, where people who smoke have a 10 to 30 times greater risk of developing the disease than those who do not smoke. Therefore, the first thing a smoker should do is quit smoking, then consult a pulmonary specialist about their smoking history and the lung cancer risk level in order to determine the right type of lung cancer screening.

Other factors Lung Cancer Risk include:
1. Age: those aged 40 years and above generally have a greater risk of lung cancer, although the disease can develop at a younger age.
2. Genetic: those who have a parent or relative who have lung cancer have a greater risk even if they do not smoke.
3. Environment: exposure to toxic materials and environmental pollution including cigarettes, asbestos, radon, arsenic, radiation, and other chemicals.

Should You Be Screened for Lung Cancer?

The above risk group is the leading candidate for lung cancer screening, and it would be better to talk to your doctor if you feel you are at risk of developing the disease due to other additional factors. Generally, what should be screened is:

  • People between the ages of 55 and 74.
  • Former smokers who quit within 15 years. Although no smoking, still need to do lung cancer screening.
  • People who smoke at least one pack of cigarettes a day for 30 years - known as 30 packs per year.
  • Those exposed to toxic substances and environmental pollutants include cigarettes, asbestos, radon, arsenic, radiation, and other chemicals.
  • People who have a parent or relative who has lung cancer.
  • Persons with respiratory conditions such as persistent cough for more than 3 weeks without cause.

Low-Scan CT Scan (Lo-Dose CT): Likely to More Survive with Early Detection
Although chest X-rays have traditionally not been able to show tumors until they are large enough and hence difficult to treat, a hinge CT scan (Lo-Dose CT) is a very detailed screening that gives a larger image resolution. A CT scan can capture a tumor of a grain of rice, smaller than a tumor that other screening can detect. A low-dose CT scan rotates in a spiral motion, taking continuous lung pictures and showing the slightest abnormality. Early detection is really possible with this revolutionary technology, and can make a huge difference to the survival of patients with lung cancer.

Why Choose Low-Screen CT Scan (Lo-Dose CT)?
The most important reason for choosing a low-dose CT scan is time. This screening allows doctors to detect the smallest lesions in the lungs, as well as tumors that are too small to be identified by traditional x-rays. The smaller the tumor is when it is detected, the less likely it is that the cancer cells have spread to other parts of the body. Early detection means more treatment options and a higher chance of survival. In addition, low-dose CT scans take less time than traditional CT scans, and are less harmful to patients due to their low radiation dose.

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Early Screening for Lung Cancer
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