While lung cancer screening is generally not recommended in people who are at a high risk of the disease, it is still necessary. It can help detect the disease at an early stage, which will make it more curable and improve your chance of survival by as much as 59 percent. However, there are some precautions you should take if you suspect you might have it, including COVID-19 vaccination. If you have any questions about whether lung cancer screening is right for you, talk to your doctor.
In general, this screening is for people 50 years of age or older. It is also recommended for people who quit smoking in the past year. Individuals who have a history of lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or exposure to asbestos should consider getting screened. Although it is generally safe for healthy individuals, it is not advised for those with other conditions that make a diagnosis of lung cancer more difficult or dangerous.
During lung cancer screening, doctors may look for a suspicious area. A large number of patients have a negative lung scan, and they will be scheduled for more tests. If this is the case, a biopsy of the affected part of the lungs will be done. The results of the biopsy will determine the next steps in your treatment. If a scan shows that you have a lung tumor, you will need to see your doctor. If your doctor finds it on a subsequent test, they will likely recommend treatment for you. If you have a low-risk disease, you should consider a different screening.
Although lung cancer screening is often recommended for healthy individuals, it is also helpful for people with certain health conditions. People with lung disease who do not have other serious conditions should not be considered for the test. Such individuals are at high risk of developing complications from the follow-up tests, so they should not undergo it. You should also consult your doctor if you’re coughing up blood or have had a chest CT scan in the past year.
In addition to lung cancer screening, your doctor may want to check for other factors that may be contributing to the presence of the disease. If you have a family history of the disease or are at risk for lung cancer, a doctor may want to perform additional tests to rule out other issues. If you’re not a smoker, you should seek treatment as soon as possible. The results of the test may be misleading and you may not even have lung cancer.
People in general good health are the best candidates for lung cancer screening. The screening is not recommended for people who have serious health conditions and may need continuous supplemental oxygen to breathe. Those who are at risk include those with unexplained weight loss, coughing up blood, and those with chest CT scans in the past year. You should also be aware of any abnormalities that you’ve recently experienced in your body, especially if they’re large or persistent.