December 9, 2024

Should I Get a Lung Cancer Screening?

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Should I Get a Lung Cancer Screening?

Screening for lung cancer is a vital step for individuals at high risk of developing this life-threatening disease. Lung cancer screening involves testing people before symptoms appear, allowing early detection when treatment is most effective. If you are considering a lung cancer screening, it’s essential to understand the risks, benefits, and guidelines to determine whether it’s right for you. This is especially true for individuals with a history of asbestos exposure, smoking, or other risk factors for lung cancer.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), annual lung cancer screenings significantly reduce lung cancer mortality rates. Discussing your individual risk factors and health condition with a healthcare provider is the first step toward determining whether a screening is appropriate for you.

If you’ve been diagnosed with lung cancer due to asbestos exposure, contact the experienced mesothelioma and lung cancer attorneys at Serling & Abramson, P.C. With over 50 years of experience, they are dedicated to helping victims of asbestos exposure secure the compensation they deserve.

What Happens During a Lung Cancer Screening?

Lung cancer screenings are typically conducted using Low-Dose Computed Tomography (LDCT), a type of imaging test that creates detailed images of the lungs with minimal radiation exposure. Here’s what to expect during the screening process:

  • The Procedure: You’ll lie on a table that slides through a CT scanner. The test is painless, takes only a few minutes, and requires you to stay still and hold your breath briefly during imaging.
  • The Goal: LDCT scans detect lung nodules or abnormalities that may indicate early-stage lung cancer. Early detection improves survival rates and enables curative lung surgery or other treatments.

Who Should Get a Lung Cancer Screening?

Lung cancer screening is not for everyone. It is primarily recommended for individuals with significant risk factors for lung cancer. According to guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, screening is recommended for:

  • Adults aged 50 to 80 who are current smokers or have quit within the past 15 years.
  • Individuals with a 20-pack-year smoking history (calculated by multiplying the number of packs smoked per day by the number of years smoked).
  • People with additional risk factors, such as a history of lung cancer, asbestos exposure, or other occupational exposures linked to lung cancer.

It is crucial to consult a healthcare provider to evaluate your eligibility for screening based on your smoking history, environmental exposures, and overall health condition.

Potential Downsides of Lung Cancer Screening

While lung cancer screening programs have proven benefits, they are not without risks:

  • False-Positive Results: LDCT scans may identify lung nodules that are non-cancerous, leading to unnecessary follow-up tests, additional imaging, or invasive procedures.
  • Overdiagnosis: Screenings may detect cancers that would not have caused harm during a person’s lifetime, resulting in unnecessary treatments.
  • Radiation Exposure: Although LDCT uses a low dose of radiation, repeated annual screenings could potentially increase the risk of developing other cancers in healthy persons.

Healthcare providers carefully weigh these risks against the potential benefits when recommending lung cancer screenings.

The Dangerous Link Between Lung Cancer and Asbestos

Exposure to asbestos significantly increases the risk of lung cancer, particularly among trade workers. Asbestos fibers, when inhaled, become lodged in the lungs, causing inflammation and scarring. Over time, this can lead to cancerous changes in lung tissue.

According to the American Cancer Society, asbestos exposure is one of the leading causes of occupational lung cancer deaths. This exposure is most common in industries where asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, releasing harmful fibers into the air.

High-Risk Trades for Asbestos Exposure:

  • Construction workers and demolition crews: Asbestos was widely used in building materials such as roofing, insulation, and floor tiles.
  • Automakers and mechanics: Brake pads and clutch linings often contained asbestos.
  • Pipefitters, welders, and refinery workers: Asbestos insulation was commonly used in industrial equipment and infrastructure.
  • Shipyard workers: Asbestos was prevalent in ships’ boilers, pipes, and insulation.
  • Plumbers and railroad workers: Older plumbing and train components often contained asbestos.

The risks of lung cancer from asbestos exposure are compounded for individuals with a history of smoking, highlighting the importance of annual lung cancer screening for these high-risk populations.

Symptoms of Lung Cancer

Many lung cancers remain asymptomatic until they reach advanced stages, making early detection through screening critical. Common symptoms of lung cancer include:

  • Persistent cough or worsening of an existing cough.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Chest pain that worsens with deep breathing or coughing.
  • Coughing up blood or rust-colored phlegm.
  • Unexplained weight loss and loss of appetite.
  • Fatigue and weakness.
  • Recurring lung infections, such as bronchitis or pneumonia.

If you experience any of these symptoms, consult your physician for a lung cancer screening test or further diagnostic imaging.

When to Stop Lung Cancer Screenings

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends discontinuing lung cancer screening under certain conditions:

  • When the individual reaches 81 years old.
  • If the patient has quit smoking for 15 years or more.
  • If new health problems make lung cancer treatment unnecessary or no longer beneficial.

Your healthcare provider will guide you on whether to continue or stop annual screenings based on your health condition and risk factors.

Legal Advice for Lung Cancer Patients

For individuals diagnosed with lung cancer linked to asbestos exposure, the next step after receiving medical care is to seek legal guidance. Serling & Abramson, P.C., is a leading mesothelioma law firm with decades of experience advocating for victims of asbestos-related diseases.

Their attorneys use a one-of-a-kind database of asbestos products, exposure sites, and trade histories to build strong compensation claims. Whether pursuing asbestos trust fund claims, settlements, or lawsuits, they are committed to securing the maximum financial compensation for victims and their families.

Protect Your Health and Rights

Early detection of lung cancer through Low-Dose CT Screening can save lives, especially for individuals at high risk. If you’ve been exposed to asbestos and are concerned about your lung cancer risk, consult your physician about lung cancer screening programs and take proactive steps to safeguard your health.

For those diagnosed with lung cancer due to occupational asbestos exposure, don’t miss the opportunity to secure the compensation you deserve. Contact Serling & Abramson, P.C., today for a free review of your case, and let their experienced mesothelioma attorneys help you navigate the legal process.