Temple Health is urging long-time smokers and former smokers to undergo annual lung cancer screenings. In addition to low-dose CT scans, which are a quick and easy test, they are also offering a lung function test to detect COPD. Adults over the age of 50 who have smoked the equivalent of a pack a day for 20 years, as well as heavy smokers who quit within the past 15 years, are eligible for these screenings. The CT scans are covered by Medicare and most insurance companies.
According to Melissa Liverpool, a nurse navigator with the Temple Healthy Chest Initiative, only about 6% of eligible smokers and former smokers actually get screened for lung cancer on a regular basis. This is despite the fact that early detection can greatly improve outcomes for patients with this deadly disease. By comparing the scans from previous years, doctors can detect any changes or abnormalities in the lungs and other internal organs.
These CT scans can also pick up other health issues such as thyroid nodules and osteoporosis. Liverpool mentions 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 before they become more serious or life-threatening.
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 when they are easier to manage or cure completely. Ultimately, their goal is to make lung cancer screening as routine and accessible as other forms of cancer screening like breast and cervical exams.
Overall, Temple Health’s message is clear: Regular lung cancer screenings save lives by allowing for earlier detection of this deadly disease and its potential complications.