Griswold Home Care
  • Services
  • Specialties
  • About
  • Blog
  • News
  • Caregivers
  • Franchising
  • Foundation
  • 1-800-474-7965
November 14, 2017  |  By Duncan Gumaer In Cancer, Senior Care Advice

Lung Cancer Screening: Program, Guidelines, Recommendations

Mature male radiologist comforting an elderly senior woman before a scan

One of the most dangerous aspects of lung cancer is you usually don’t see any symptoms until the cancer has already grown severe. Regular lung screenings can help you catch lung cancer in its infancy, when it’s easier to treat and possible to cure, but these screenings come with their own risks. That’s why it’s important to know whether or not your own risk of lung cancer is high enough to warrant screening.

Download a Free Cancer Survivorship Guide

What Are Screenings?

Screenings are a type of test that’s used when someone doesn’t have symptoms but has a higher risk of developing a health problem later in life. For example, smokers are as much as 25 times more likely to develop lung cancer than those who have never smoked. Screenings can help these at-risk people catch their cancer as early as possible.

The only reliable form of lung cancer screening is called a computed tomography (CT) scan, which combines x-rays and small doses of radiation to create detailed imaging of your lungs. The CT scan helps doctors look for small abnormalities in your lungs, which can be indicative of cancer or other ailments.

The Risks of Screenings

Unfortunately, there are a number of risks that come with a low-dose CT lung cancer screening. The test may produce a false positive, which can quickly lead to unnecessary tests and surgeries. The test may also find tumors that are harmless but end up receiving unnecessary treatment. And because the test itself involves radiation, repeated screenings can actually increase your risk of cancer. For people who aren’t likely to develop lung cancer, these extra risks simply aren’t worth taking.

Who’s at Risk?

Because not everyone should be tested, experts use lung cancer screening guidelines to determine those who are most prone to lung cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, that means heavy smokers between the ages of 55 and 74. The American Lung Association also suggests that doctors consider family history as a lung cancer screening criteria in addition to history as a smoker.

If you’re wondering whether or not you’re considered a heavy smoker, experts define heavy smoking as having racked up 30 or more pack-years during your lifetime. A pack-year is when a smoker consumes 1 pack each day for at least 1 year. That means if you were smoking 3 packs a day for a year, you would have 3 pack-years in only 1 calendar year.

Staying Safe

Screenings aren’t a one-time thing— anyone who’s at risk for lung cancer should be screened annually. If you haven’t smoked for the past 15 years, it’s safe to stop screening. If you’re over 74, it may be time to stop screening for lung cancer if you’re also no longer in good enough health to undergo treatment. Until then, if you match the criteria for lung cancer screening, the important thing is that you talk to your doctor right away. Lung cancer is very treatable in its early stages but quickly becomes deadly if left undetected.

+1
Tweet
Share
Share
Pin
Subscribe
Griswold Caring Times
About the Blog

Founded in 2006, CaringTimes is a resource center for those seeking home care information and support as they care for elderly parents and research senior in-home care options. Our mission is to celebrate, educate, and advocate aging issues. We highlight available resources and share our expertise during a very difficult and challenging time in many adults’ lives.

RECENT POSTS
  • Beauty Therapy for the Elderly
  • What are the Emotional Needs of the Elderly?
  • Happy Holidays: Send Cards and Write Letters to Elderly Friends and Family
  • Gifts for Seniors: What’s New This Holiday Season?
  • Checking on the Elderly: When to be Concerned
Categories:
DISCLAIMER
The CaringTimes blog pro­vides gen­eral infor­ma­tion and dis­cus­sion to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge about various health-related topics. The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and linked materials within this blog are not intended and should not be interpreted as med­ical advice. If the reader or any other per­son has a med­ical con­cern, he or she should con­sult with a licensed physi­cian or other qualified health care provider. Never forgo pro­fes­sional med­ical advice or delay in seek­ing medical attention because of some­thing you have read on this blog or in any of the linked materials. If you think you may have a med­ical emer­gency, call your doc­tor immediately.
Follow Us
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube
  • Follow Us on Twitter
  • RSS Feed
Ways to Pay Discover 5 Ways to Pay DOWNLOAD THE FREE GUIDE
Guide to Home Care Take a Brochure DOWNLOAD THE FREE GUIDE
Copyright 2019 Griswold Home Care. All Rights Reserved  |  Privacy Policy   |  Terms of Use  |  Site Map
The Griswold Home Care service model varies depending on which state the office is in. In some states, our service is solely to refer thoroughly screened professional caregivers. In other states, we employ and supervise the caregivers. In every state, we’re 100% focused on quality services and responsiveness to your needs. For each office, you’ll see its service model and learn how we can best help you and your family with your home care needs.
Scroll to Top