Consider a low-dose CT scan for lung cancer screening.
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death of both men and women in the United States. Each year more people die of lung cancer than breast, colon, and prostate cancers combined. Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer and secondhand smoke increases your risk of developing lung cancer. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), at least 3,000 nonsmokers per year die from lung cancer related to secondhand smoke.
Lung cancer is more common in adults over 50 years of age. Other risk factors that may increase the risk of developing lung cancer:
- Asbestos
- High levels of air pollution
- Family history of lung cancer
- Radon gas exposure
- Exposure to cancer-causing chemicals possibly related to occupation
- (chloromethyl ethers, gasoline, beryllium, mustard gas, uranium, vinyl chloride, nickel chromates, coal products, diesel exhaust)
If you fit into any of the categories above, and you are currently asymptomatic, then you may be a perfect candidate for a low radiation dose CT scan of your chest to evaluate your lungs for early signs of lung cancer.
The rationale for having this test is based on a major scientific study called the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine, which compared two methods of early detection of lung cancer: chest X-ray and low-dose CT scans. The results showed that participants who received low-dose CT scans had a 20 % lower risk of dying from lung cancer than those who received chest X-rays.
These results are very promising and may offer hope to hundreds of thousands of people. However, because this is the first study to show that lung cancer screening may save lives, and has not yet been widely accepted as a routine screening practice, most insurance plans do not cover the cost of the exam.
Progressive Radiology is excited to offer this service at our Bel Air and Salisbury Sweetbay Drive locations at the low cost of $95.00.
The exam itself takes only a few minutes, needs no preparation, is painless (no injection), and is safe. Your images will be interpreted by a board-certified radiologist and a written report will be sent to your medical provider. You will leave our office with your own copy of your exam on a CD ROM.
What is your peace of mind worth to you?
Ask your medical provider today if you are a candidate for this screening. Schedule your appointment online or by calling our office. We also offer same-day walk-in appointments. Please bring your prescription with you at the time of your exam.