American Lung Association Recommends New CT Screening Guidelines for Early Detection of Lung Cancer
New research is providing hope in the fight against lung cancer. Based on results of the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST), the American Lung Association in Greater Chicago recommends new screening guidelines for individuals meeting certain criteria, which promote early detection of lung cancer. NLST research showed that low-dose CT screening, versus chest X-rays, reduced lung cancer deaths among older, heavy smokers by 20 percent. Improved detection at earlier stages, when lung cancer is more easily treated, is key to increased survival.
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S and more people die from lung cancer than colon, breast, prostate, liver, kidney, and melanoma cancers combined. “The new screening guidelines are an important lifesaving tool in the fight again lung cancer, especially for those most at risk. Early screening improves the chances of surviving lung cancer.” says Harold Wimmer, President and CEO, American Lung in Greater Chicago. “We have provided more information on the report along with lung cancer facts and resources on www.ChicagoFightsLungCancer.org.”
American Lung Association Recommendations:
- Low-dose CT screening should be recommended for those people who the NLST criteria:
- Current or former smokers, aged 55 to 74
- A smoking history of at least 30 pack years (for example, one pack a day for 30 years or two packs a day for 15 years)
- No history of lung cancer
- Individuals should not receive a chest X-ray for lung cancer screening
- Low-dose CT screening should NOT be recommended for everyone
- Patients should be referred to a facility that uses “best practices” for CT screening
- The best way to prevent lung cancer caused by tobacco use is to never start smoking or to quit smoking
More information about the lung cancer screening, research and resources can be found at www.ChicagoFightsLungCancer.org or by calling the Lung HelpLine at 1-800-LUNG-USA.
SOURCE: American Lung Association
