What Is A Low Dose CT Scan?
Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States. More people in the United States die from lung cancer than any other type of cancer. People with lung cancer are living longer after their diagnosis because more cases are found early, when treatment works best.
Who Should Consider Getting Screened?
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recommends yearly lung cancer screening with LDCT for people who—
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Have a 20 pack-year or more smoking history, and
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Smoke now or have quit within the past 15 years, and
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Are between 50 and 77 years old.
A pack-year is smoking an average of one pack of cigarettes per day for one year. For example, a person could have a 20 pack-year history by smoking one pack a day for 20 years or two packs a day for 10 years.
Why Screening is Important
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Lung cancer can be asymptomatic and show no outward signs.
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Current smokers and those that have quit in the last 15 years are at a higher risk of lung cancer.
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A referrall is required from your Primary Care Provider.