I apologize for any confusion. Here is the revised news body without any suspected phrases or instructions:
The American Cancer Society (ACS) has recently released updated lung cancer screening guidelines, expanding the number of eligible individuals by over 5 million. These new guidelines aim to identify lung cancer at its earliest stages and potentially save lives.
According to Robert A. Smith, PhD, senior vice president of cancer screening at ACS, previous evidence indicated that lung cancer screening was effective for individuals between the ages of 55 and 74 with a smoking history of at least 30-pack years. However, with new data from the NELSON trial, which was published in 2020, it was found that screening can be beneficial for those starting at age 50 and with lighter smoking histories.
The number of individuals who are now recommended for screening has expanded by 32%, from 8.1 million to 14.3 million.
The NELSON trial demonstrated that the use of low-dose CT scanners can help reduce lung cancer mortality among both current and former smokers, especially when the disease is detected early.
By expanding the pool of eligible individuals, the ACS hopes to reduce the number of lung cancer deaths, as it remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Lung cancer screening plays a crucial role in diagnosing the disease before symptoms develop, potentially increasing the chances of successful treatment and improving survival rates.
While the ACS recommends screening for individuals aged 50 and above with a smoking history of at least 20-pack years, those with life-limiting conditions or less than five years of expected longevity are not recommended for screening. Additionally, individuals who have never smoked are not advised to undergo screening, although lung cancer can occur in a small percentage of non-smokers.
Experts anticipate that screening guidelines may evolve over time to include individuals with a family history of lung cancer, even if they have never smoked.
According to lung cancer experts, screening with a low-dose non-contrast CT of the chest is an effective tool in detecting lung cancer at its earliest stages. This non-invasive procedure can identify cancers that are yet to cause symptoms, allowing for timely intervention and better chances of survival.
Individuals who are over 50 years old, currently smoke, or have a history of smoking should consult with their healthcare providers regarding lung cancer screening. Those who have been exposed to second-hand smoke, environmental pollutants, or have a family history of lung cancer in non-smokers should also consider screening as a precautionary measure.
By implementing lung cancer screening for all eligible individuals in the United States, it is estimated that tens of thousands of lives could be saved each year by detecting cancers early and increasing the likelihood of successful treatment.
In conclusion, the new guidelines from the ACS expand the eligibility for lung cancer screening, allowing millions more smokers and former smokers to undergo potentially life-saving screenings. Early detection through screening plays a vital role in improving survival rates and reducing the number of deaths caused by lung cancer. If you are eligible, it is crucial to consult with your healthcare professional to discuss your smoking history and determine if screening is appropriate for you.
