Lung cancer is a lot like breast cancer in that it actually
has a high incidence and mortality. By comparison to breast cancer, lung cancer
is still a far more aggressive killer and often times far more difficult to
control. A big question among patients and a big concern is whether or not
screening can help.
The fact is that screening does help, the problem beyond
that is the patient’s concern with the level of radiation used in the diagnostic imaging process and the
frequency of the screening that’s done. It doesn’t matter the process, if it’s
an X-Ray, MRI, or CT scan, radiology is
always a part of the equation.
Currently there is a broad movement aimed at using less
radiation and helping lower associated risks as well as still creating a good image.
So your obvious question may be: “How does all of this valuable information
relate to lung cancer and lung cancer screening?” The answer to that is simple, it relates in
two very important ways.
In order to battle lung cancer screening is very important,
being able to uncover a tumor in its infancy and being able to battle it
effectively is a major component of the equation. While screening has become
synonymous with breast cancer, lung cancer still has a bit of a ways to in
terms of having that type of association with screening. A patient at risk of
lung cancer, or feeling like they may be at risk for any number of factors
should be screened twice every year. A question that may be raised is “What
about the radiation?”
Radiation is a concern in screening but low dosage CT scans performed
twice every year increase early detection and decrease late stage diagnosis. A
trial conducted with over 500,000 participants and conducted during a period of
nearly two years reveals that incidences for high risk patients diminished with
this type of frequent screening. This is a hugely promising development when
you consider what it means in terms of such a strong manner of cancer.
While these developments do not really man that the battle
has been won it’s good to know that a significant stride has been made. It may
well be years before another significant hit is made against lung cancer. Until
any new developments take place make sure to educate yourself on lung cancer
and effective screening practices.
If you have any questions about diagnostic imaging
procedures please feel free to give us a call. Our dedicated team of
professionals here at Clermont Radiology is eager to answer any questions you
may have and aide you in all your diagnostic
imaging needs.
Charla
Hurst General
Operations Manager
Operations Manager
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