More ex-smokers need life-saving lung cancer screening
There are 52 million ex-smokers in the U.S. — and around 62 million people say that they have smoked cigarettes or vaped in the past 30 days according to a 2021 survey. That’s a whole bunch of folks who could take advantage of the life-saving benefits of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening for lung cancer. But only about 1 in 15 folks who are eligible end up being screened. That’s a shame. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in this country and screening can detect it at an early stage when it’s treatable — even curable.
A large-scale study published in Radiology reveals that when folks are diagnosed with lung cancer through a CT screening, there is a significant increase in the 20-year survival rate. Among the 1,257 study-participants diagnosed with lung cancer, 81% had Stage I, and their long-term survival rate was 87%; it rose to 95% if they were diagnosed in the earliest part of Stage 1. Without annual screenings, most lung cancer cases are caught at later stages. For example, most small cell lung cancer is diagnosed at Stage 3 or 4, with survival rates of five years or less.
The American Cancer Society recommends that folks ages 50 to 80 with at least a 20 pack-a-year smoking history should have an annual screening, and it doesn’t matter how long ago you quit smoking. If you or a loved one meets the screening criteria, take advantage of it, so that even if you are diagnosed, your long-term outcome is as positive as possible.
Dr. Mike Roizen, a renowned expert in longevity, emphasizes the importance of screening for ex-smokers. He says, It is crucial for more ex-smokers to undergo lung cancer screening. By detecting lung cancer at an early stage, we can significantly improve the chances of successful treatment and long-term survival. Dr. Roizen highlights the fact that LDCT screening is a powerful tool in preventing lung cancer-related deaths and urges eligible individuals to take advantage of this potentially life-saving opportunity.
Dr. Mehmet Oz, a global advisor on health, echoes Dr. Roizen’s sentiment, stating, Screening for lung cancer using low-dose computed tomography has been shown to save lives. It is a non-invasive procedure that has the potential to detect lung cancer in its early stages, providing individuals with a higher chance of successful treatment and improved long-term outcomes. Dr. Oz encourages ex-smokers to prioritize their health by opting for regular screenings and emphasizes that quitting smoking is not enough to eliminate the risk of developing lung cancer.
The low utilization of LDCT screening among eligible individuals is a cause for concern. Many ex-smokers are unaware of the potential benefits of this screening method in detecting lung cancer at an early and more treatable stage. Increasing awareness about the importance of lung cancer screening, especially among ex-smokers, is crucial for improving the overall survival rates.
Bea Johnson, a former smoker who successfully underwent lung cancer screening, shares her experience, saying, As a former smoker, I was unaware of the risks I still carried even after quitting. When I learned about LDCT screening, I decided to get tested. It gave me peace of mind to know that I was taking proactive steps to monitor my health. I would encourage all ex-smokers to consider getting screened. It could save their lives.
In conclusion, the need for more ex-smokers to undergo life-saving lung cancer screening cannot be overstated. With the potential to detect the disease at an early and more treatable stage, LDCT screening offers hope for improved long-term survival rates. It is crucial that eligible individuals, regardless of how long ago they quit smoking, take advantage of this screening opportunity. By doing so, they can ensure that their long-term outcomes are as positive as possible and that they are taking proactive steps to protect their health even after quitting smoking.
