On the Trail of A Killer

 Lung cancer kills more people each year than breast, colon, and cervical cancer combined. To address this, new government recommendations have almost doubled the number of Americans eligible for lung cancer screening. The increasing use of these annual CT scans, which detect the disease early, could save as many as 60,000 people in the United States each year. The Services Task Force (USPSTF) now recommends testing people aged 50-80 with a "pack-year" 20 years or more smoking history.

smoke causes

 If you smoke or are accustomed to smoking, a pack of cigarettes a day for 20 years, or two packs a day for ten years, that is a 20-year smoking history. Insurance providers must include tests recommended by the USPSTF. "Lung cancer screening and advanced treatment save lives," said American Cancer Society Senior Vice President of Cancer Screening Robert Smith, Ph.D. "The expansion of extended testing is a step forward in the care of lung cancer." The new guidelines are almost double the number of Black people eligible for testing. Black people get the disease early in life - usually with simple histories of smoking. "The expanded spread could address racial and regional inequalities and promote lung cancer equality," said Prevent Cancer Foundation Founder and Chief Executive Officer Carolyn Aldigé.

Black men are the Americans who are most likely to die from lung cancer.

  Medicare includes testing for beneficiaries aged 55-77 with a 30-year history of the package but is considering an extended extension. Physicians and patients should discuss the risks, benefits, and qualifications of smoking (if one still smokes) before the scan is performed. “Consistent Medicare and the spread of insurance will improve testing and save lives,” said GO2 Foundation for Co-Founder for Lung Cancer Laurie Fenton Ambrose. "Doctors, patients, and insurers must make this happen." If you think this test might help you, talk to your doctor. Less than 15% of those who qualify for testing should be tested. "These tests could save more lives than any other cancer test in history. Doctors should talk to eligible patients today," said Lung Cancer Screening Cancer Committee Chair Debra Dyer, MD. the impact of smoking on them and on those around them. "Finally, we have a test that can change the face of lung cancer. More prevalence means more people are tested and saved," said National Lung Cancer Roundtable (NLCRT) Chair Ella Kazerooni, MD. Visit NLCRT.org for more information.