CT Scans Not Recommended For All Ex-Smokers

Low-dose CT scan technology is paving the way for earlier detection of lung cancer for many. This potentially life-saving test does have its place though. Not all ex-smokers will find the risks worth the potential rewards.

Low-dose CT scans are recommended for people who smoked an average of a pack of cigarettes a day for an estimated 30 years or more. This test can help detect cancer in its early stages and is especially beneficial for those at high-risk. There are, however, some false positives that can go along with testing. To confirm the presence of cancer, a biopsy might need to be performed. For those at high-risk for the disease, the testing is recommended on a fairly regular basis.

And, while false positives might prevent, the risk of undergoing an unnecessary test is much less than the risk involved in missing a chance to treat lung cancer early.

Ex-smokers who don’t meet the criteria of a pack a day for 30 years, however, may find their doctors are against recommending this testing procedure. This is simply because they are at much lower risk for the disease than their heavier smoking counterparts. The decision is based on the desire to help those at lower risk avoid the potential complications associated with lung biopsies. While it’s true that even light smokers may someday develop lung cancer, their chances are much lower. The risks versus rewards of aggressive testing just don’t fit the circumstances.

Smoking is among the leading causes of lung cancer in people around the world. Kicking the habit can greatly reduce risks related to lung cancer and a host of serious medical conditions. To learn more about lung cancer testing or for help in kicking the habit, consult with a healthcare provider. Doctors are more than happy to help their patients leave smoking and other poor habits behind.

About Author

PET / CT of Las Colinas was developed with both patients and physicians in mind and our services have been used for various types of disease; primarily in detecting, staging and monitoring cancer, but also in heart disease and brain disorders.

The PET / CT of Las Colinas is conveniently located within the Las Colinas Cancer Center on the Southwest corner of HWY 161 and Las Colinas Blvd. It is located adjacent to the Regions Bank and across HWY 161 from the Las Colinas Medical Center.