Computed tomography (CT scan) : a reliable tool for lung cancer screening
Since 2007, Physimed has actively joined the fight against cancer by establishing its own cancer screening center. As such, our clinic has established a program that facilitates accessibility to screening for lung cancer by computed tomography also called CT scan. Whether or not you have a medical file with Physimed, whether or not you have a referral to get screened for lung cancer, Physimed gives you an accurate image on your status in regard to lung cancer.
The results (released in November 2010) of a study conducted since 2002 by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in the United States and entitled “National Lung Screening Trial (NLST)” concluded that lung cancer can be better detected and the related mortality is reduced thanks to the early detection by using a CT scan of the chest.
The study included more than 53 000 current or former smokers, aged 55 to 74 years, initially without symptoms of lung cancer. The research was conducted in 33 centers across the United States and received a budget of more than 250 million.
The participants were randomly selected to receive a standard chest X-ray or a low-dose chest CT scan once a year for a period of 3 years and they were afterwards followed-up for five years.
Although previous studies have demonstrated that CT allows for a better detection of small tumors than standard X-ray, the NLST is the first study comparing the two techniques. The results confirmed that a screening test for lung cancer can reduce mortality rates associated with this disease. The publication of this study will certainly help to popularize and expand screening programs for lung cancer.
Dr. Heidi Roberts, radiologist at the Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto, agreed that these results could potentially change the way of using CT scans.
The impact caused by a screening program for lung cancer could be considerable given that one in five Canadians is a smoker. Cancerous nodules at an early stage can be successfully excised thanks to early detection by CT scan.
If you are still smoking, it is time to take charge of your health! Quitting smoking is the best way to reduce your risk of dying from lung cancer.