Lung cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in adults. According to the Lung Cancer Research Foundation, approximately 127,070 Americans lose their lives due to this cancer. Current and former smokers are at the highest risk of developing lung cancer. Low-dose CT (LDCT) lung scans can be used to check for cancerous growths in the lungs. It is a fast, painless, and non-invasive scan that captures detailed pictures.
Early Detection Can Save Lives
One of the best things a LDCT scan can do is catch cancerous growth at an early stage.
The American Lung Association shared that those diagnosed with stage 1 lung cancer are 63% more likely to live for five or more years compared to those diagnosed with stage 4. It has been found that deaths in general from lung cancer decreased by about 30% when LDCT screenings were performed. Because of this, professionals recommend getting regular screenings.
Who should be screened?
Those between the ages of 50 and 77 with a history of smoking may be at higher risk for lung cancer. Typically only those that are at high risk are regularly screened to avoid unnecessary radiation exposure. These yearly scans are essential to early diagnosis and quitting smoking will further reduce your risk of lung cancer.
How is it different from a normal CT scan?
An LDCT lung scan only uses a fraction of the radiation that a normal CT scan uses. The lung tissue takes less radiation to get a complete scan than other body parts.
Here at A.T. Radiology, we ensure effective scans and low radiation exposure for safe, yearly lung scans. Take a short quiz on our website, call us, and talk to your doctor for more information on whether an LDCT lung screening is right for you: https://atradiology.cc/ldct-quiz/
References
- American Lung Association, Saved By The Scan. Retrieved December 22, 2023 from https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/lung-cancer/saved-by-the-scan
- Beland, Jason (April 25, 2022) Low-dose CT scan. Retrieved December 22, 2023 from https://www.cancercenter.com/cancer-types/lung-cancer/diagnosis-and-detection/low-dose-ct-scan
