General Screening for Lung Cancer

[Jerry_NJ]

I am a senior male and do get an annual physical exam.  It does include screening via blood test for prostate cancer (PSA) as well as the "digital" exam to check for enlargement.

I am unaware of any screening, however, for lung cancer other than the general Q/A for symptoms in general.  

I am an ex-smoker, stopped about 25 years ago, and have determined of late that my home has radon levels above the recommended maximum of 4.0 pc, may basement is in fact about 12 pc.  All of this plus my age makes me think it would be reasonable to seek general screening to see if there are any signs of lung cancer.

I have not yet discussed with my primary care doctor, and would like to have some guidance before I do.

Thanks
Jerry

[CHIN_C]

Just wanted to update this old post with new lung cancer screening recommendations. The most current guidelines are summarized on UpToDate: https://www.uptodate.com/contents/image?imageKey=PULM%2F64078. Although there are slight variations between different organizations, most recommend screening for those with at least 30 pack-year smoking history with age at least 55 years old. At the time of this post, Medicare covers lung cancer screening with low-dose CT chest for asymptomatic patients age 55-77, who are either currently smoking or quit within last 15 years, who have smoked at least 1 pack per day for 30 years. Before your first lung cancer screening, you will need to schedule a lung cancer screening counseling and shared decision-making visit with your doctor to discuss the benefits and risks of lung cancer screening. You and your doctor can decide whether lung cancer screening is right for you.

[Jerry_NJ]

Thanks,

I will discuss with my doctor on my next visit... a follow-up for a general physical.  

I have read some on the CT Scan since seeing BrandiDufrene's input.  The one report I read was a bit too advanced for me (sent to me by my MD son) but it seemed to say that the data doesn't yet connect CT scanning with any increase in life expectancy for test groups over not doing CT scanning.  Yet, it is clearly stated there and elsewhere that the early detection is critical to winning the battle...to living.  That's about the same thing my son said in the brief email sending the report. I'll talk a little more with him the next time we talk on the telephone.  But I do try not to make our father/son talks to be just another patient/doctor interview.

[catcon49]

I was a smoker. b/c of my smoking history dr order a CAT scan. That is how they found my cancer very early. Alot of smokers I know have a CAT Scan yearly, Insurance companies probably don't like it, but to bad. Ask your primary care physician

[BrandiDufrene]

Ask for a chest Ct Scan