The Temple Healthy Chest Initiative is urging long-time smokers and ex-smokers to undergo annual lung cancer screenings. In addition to low-dose CT scans, which are a quick and easy test, they also offer a lung function test to detect chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Eligible individuals include adults aged 50 and above who have smoked at least a pack per day for 20 years, as well as heavy smokers who quit within the past 15 years. Medicare and most insurance companies cover the cost of these scans.
Melissa Liverpool, a nurse navigator with the Temple Healthy Chest Initiative, emphasizes the importance of regular lung cancer screenings. She notes that only about 6% of eligible individuals undergo these screenings, and even fewer do so regularly. By comparing CT scans from previous years, doctors can detect any changes or abnormalities in the lungs and other internal organs.
Apart from detecting lung cancer, these CT scans can also pick up on other health issues such as thyroid nodules and osteoporosis. Liverpool stresses that the scans provide a comprehensive view of the internal organs, including the liver, gallbladder, and coronary artery. By identifying potential health problems early on, patients can receive timely treatment and care.
To encourage more people to participate in yearly screenings, Temple Health provides education and support to patients. This includes reminder calls, letters, and even text messages. Liverpool is optimistic that with increased participation, they can detect and treat lung cancer and other conditions at earlier stages. Ultimately, their goal is to make lung cancer screening as routine and accessible as other forms of cancer screening like breast and cervical exams.
In conclusion, regular lung cancer screenings are crucial for identifying potential health problems early on before they become more severe or life-threatening. If you’re a long-time smoker or an ex-smoker over the age of 50 who has smoked at least a pack per day for 20 years or heavy smokers who quit within the past 15 years, it’s important to get screened annually for lung cancer by low-dose CT scans or other available tests. With increased participation in regular screenings through education and support provided by Temple Healthy Chest Initiative or similar programs worldwide; we can make sure that early detection saves lives!