As with most other things, diagnostic imaging has a lot of
criteria that needs to be met in order to create the best results. According to
the New England Journal of Medicine “Lung
cancer screening with CT is far
more efficient when screening criteria are refined with additional patient risk
factors to identify the individuals at highest risk of developing lung cancer
who would benefit most from screening.” Considering that lung cancer is the
leading killer in terms of cancer and that there are so many variables in
treating it, this is something that’s very important to know.
CT scanning
done without a full determination of risk factors is not a scan done properly.
Not only are there risk factors to consider but also the possible reaction to
radiation dosages. While lower dose CT scans are being conducted without image
sacrifice using lower doses, there is still some skepticism. Screening people
for the study was based on risk factor. It seems like patients at higher risk
were a better bet than patients at lower risks for lung cancer.
While screening for smokers has been touted as a way to reduce
the mortality rates, having a refined criteria that helps groupings is far more
effective. It’s vital that these studies go beyond a study phase and into
universal implementation. Lung cancer is a killer that, unlike breast cancer,
has yet to see any real reduction over the next several years. The numbers show
a far greater expectation of death for patients that have lung cancer.
Screening helps early detection but the truth of the matter
is that studies should also tailor certain age groups. With so many issues such
as smokers starting younger and younger it is vital to see how they will be
exposed to cancer risks and how the body is likely to react given that it has
greater ability to fight at a younger age.
How this affects the future as far as lung cancer survival
is concerned remains to be seen. The ultimate hope is that lung cancer starts
declining in numbers and ultimately becomes easier to handle.
If you have any questions about CT scanning procedures
please feel free to give us a call. We at Clermont Radiology look forward to
answering any questions you may have about screening procedures.
References:
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