Newest Screening Focused on Detecting Lung Cancer Early

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Did you know that if you're a current or former smoker, you can now be screened for lung cancer? Doctors are recommending that certain people at high risk for lung cancer be screened with a low-dose CT scan.

Screening can discover lung cancer early when it can be treated more easily. Research has shown that CT screening for people at a higher risk for lung cancer can reduce the chance of dying from lung cancer by 20 percent.

Current or previous smokers are at most risk to develop lung cancer. Talk to your doctor about screening if you're:

Between the ages of 55 and 80 and a current or past smoker — and smoked a pack a day for 30 or more years.

Between the ages of 50 and 80, a current or past smoker — and smoked a pack a day for 20 or more years AND have at least one of the following:

A history of lung cancer more than 5 years ago that was cured

A father, mother, sister or brother with a history of lung cancer

A history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, emphysema or exposure to asbestos.

The cost of the low-dose CT may or may not be covered by insurance. Call your insurer to find out if you're covered. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services covers this service for people who meet the specific criteria.

If you're currently smoking, it's also important to talk with your doctor about programs to help you quit. For additional information, see the resources at www.smokefree.gov.

Reprinted with permission from www.mayoclinic.org. Sheryl M. Ness, RN, is a nurse educator for the Cancer Education Program at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. Follow her on Twitter at @SherylNess1.