Getting screened for lung cancer? What you need to know?

Lung cancer screening is a process that’s used to detect the presence of lung cancer in otherwise healthy people with a high risk of lung cancer.’

Lung cancer screening offers a range of benefits. Early stage detection of lung cancer; reduction in risk of lung cancer related deaths; improved treatment related outcomes are possible due to early detection; getting screened for lung cancer can encourage smokers to quit smoking at an earlier stage.

Lung cancer screening is usually reserved for people with high risk of lung cancer, including Older adults who are current or former smokers. Lung cancer screening is generally offered to smokers and former smokers who are 50 and older. You may consider lung cancer screening if you have a history of smoking for 20-pack-years or longer. Pack-years are calculated by multiplying the number of packs of cigarettes smoked a day and the number of years that you smoked.

For example, a person with 20- pack-years of smoking history may have smoked a pack a day for 20 years, two packs a day for 10 years or half of a pack a day for 40 years. If you were a heavy smoker for a long time and you quit in the last 15 years, you may consider lung cancer screening. If you were treated for lung cancer more than five years ago, you may consider lung cancer screening. People who have other risk factors for lung cancer may include those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), those with a family history of lung cancer and those who have been exposed to asbestos at work.

The US Preventative Task Force (USPSTF) has recommended annual screening with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) for those aged 50-80 who have a 20-pack-year smoking history and are current smokers or have smoked within the last 15 years.”

It’s also important to be aware of the risks associated with lung cancer screening. You may be exposed to chest radiation in lung cancer screening. False- positive test results can occur where you may be detected with a lung nodule, however, it may not be cancerous.Talk to your doctor about your risk for lung cancer and your need for screening tests.”

References:

1. Lung cancer screening. Mayoclinic.org.2022. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/ tests-procedures/lung-cancer-100 screening/about/ pac-20385024 Accessed on Nov 23, 2023
2. Amicizia D, Piazza MF, Marchini F, Astengo M, Grammatico F, Battaglini A, et al. Systematic review of lung cancer screening: Advancements and strategies for implementation. Healthcare (Basel). 2023;11(14):2085.
3. US Preventive Services Task Force, Krist AH, Davidson KW, Mangione CM, Barry MJ, Cabana M, et al. Screening for lung cancer: US preventive services task force. recommendation statement. JAMA. 2021;325(10):962.

Disclaimer: This article is for general awareness of the people and should not be construed as treatment advice. Please consult your doctor in case you have any symptoms or require further information/clarification. This public awareness initiative is supported by AstraZeneca Pharma India Limited.

The WEEK_Dr P K Das_1st Dec 24