Lung Cancer Screening Test for Smokers Saves Lives

Many people know that early detection of breast, colon and prostate cancer can help save lives. Smokers also need to know that a screening test for lung cancer can help them either rest assured that their lungs are healthy, or detect a problem early and get treatment sooner.

Washington Hospital Healthcare System (WHHS) offers safe and effective low-dose computed tomography (LDCT), a CT screening test to detect lung cancer in the early stages, when surgery and treatment are most effective. The low-dose scan is recommended for adults with a high risk of developing lung cancer based on their age and smoking history, but have no symptoms.

“Preventive measures, early detection and treatment are key,” said Jason Chu, MD, Washington Township Medical Foundation (WTMF) pulmonologist and Director of the Washington Hospital Respiratory Care Services. “We have far more tools today than we had 10 years ago to detect lung cancer sooner. The low-dose CT scan is helping save lives.”

In recognition of World Lung Cancer Day, which is marked on Aug. 1, Dr. Chu is raising awareness that this simple screening test can make a difference for smokers. “Awareness, awareness, awareness is what it takes,” he emphasized.

“It all starts by bringing any concerns to the attention of your primary care physician or pulmonologist,” he added. “If you have a cough that isn’t going away, chest pain, or an area of concern, first talk to your health care provider. We now have the ability and technology to help you earlier.”

It used to be that lung cancer was only caught in the later stages on a standard X-ray, leaving few options for treatment or much hope for survival.

Don’t Ignore a Cough or Pain

Too many smokers, ignore a cough or attribute it to a cold or bronchitis, not wanting to think the worst. Dr. Chu suggested that it’s always better to err on the side of caution and talk to the doctor.

“The scan is safe, easy, and very effective at detecting lung cancer early. It’s covered by Medicare and many insurance plans, and is noninvasive with no ill effects,” he explained.

The scan is a procedure that uses a computer linked to an X-ray machine to make a series of detailed 3-D pictures of the lungs from different angles, according to the National Institutes of Health National Cancer Institute. The amount of radiation is very low.

“The National Lung Screening Trial has shown that screening with low-dose CT as opposed to chest X-rays or sputum cytology, has decreased the risk of dying from lung cancer by 15 to 20 percent in current or former heavy smokers,” Dr. Chu noted.

Conducted in the early 2000s, the trial compared two ways of detecting lung cancer: by LDCT versus standard chest X-ray. The study revealed that participants who received LDCT had a lower risk of dying from lung cancer than those who received standard chest X-rays. This is equivalent to approximately three fewer deaths per 1,000 people screened.

The annual lung cancer screening is available for those who meet the criteria and have a doctor’s order. To be eligible, people must:

• Be between the ages of 50 to 80.
• Have a tobacco smoking history of at least 20 “pack years” (an average of one pack per day for 20 years).
• Be a current smoker or have quit smoking within the last 15 years.
• Have no signs or symptoms of lung cancer.

The test is noninvasive and takes about 45 minutes to an hour of lying on a table inside the scanner. “Most smokers are enthusiastic about getting the simple test,” said Dr. Chu, “just to have the reassurance that nothing is wrong, or to be able to get early treatment.”

Early Detection Provides Reassurance

If a cancerous nodule is detected, further testing and possibly a biopsy will be needed. But if nothing is found, people can be reassured. Sometimes an area of concern will be monitored.

But the best plan is always to avoid smoking, said Dr. Chu. “Don’t smoke, avoid secondhand smoke, be aware of and protect yourself from carcinogens in the workplace, exercise regularly, eat a healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables, and be sure to get your routine physicals and screenings, as appropriate.”

To read more about lung cancer, go to cancer.gov/types/lung. For more information about the Washington Cancer Center, go to whhs.com/cancer. Ask your primary care physician if you’re eligible to receive a lung cancer screening. To learn more about Dr. Chu, visit mywtmf.com/contact