The Importance of Lung Cancer Screening

Lung cancer is one of the leading  causes of death worldwide. One of the most effective approaches to addressing the disease at the early, easily treatable stage is through lung cancer screening.

 The leading doctor associated with Max Hospital, Saket, is Dr. Kamran Ali. He understands the patient’s situation and diagnoses him or her fully to prescribe the best treatment.

Why is lung cancer Screening important ?

The symptomatology of lung cancer is usually at a very late stage. Early stages of Lung Cancer Screening can be cured, but for late-stage ones, treatment options are severely curtailed and hence  survival rates get  reduced . The gap is well bridged through screening, whereby detection occurs at a timely moment. 

  Some unknown facts about Lung Cancer.

1. It’s the leading cause of deaths attributed to cancer across the world.

2. Smokers are at a high risk  when it comes to lung cancer, approximately 85% of all cases.

3. In case of early diagnosis, five-year survival rate increases.

What are the benefits of Lung Cancer Screening ?

1. Early Diagnosis

Screening is done so that the disease may be identified when the treatment will be most effective. In many studies, it has been observed that nodules as small as 2-3 millimeters can be detected by LDCT, and these are mostly at an early stage of cancer. 

2. Low Mortality Rates

Screening programs have reduced deaths from lung cancer by approximately 20%. Which makes survival easier for patients.

 3. Less Invasive Therapies

lung cancer can be diagnosed early in many cases by minor surgery or local therapies, which may spare the patient unwarranted trauma and psychological stress.

Who is at high risk when it comes to lung cancer?

 High-Risk Groups Are:

1. Age:  Those who are between 50-80 years of age, they should often get checked to prevent lung cancer.

2. Smoking History: At least a 20-pack year history of smoking. That is one pack per day for 20 years.

3.current smoker: The person is either a current smoker or quit less than 15 years ago

4. Family History: Individuals with family history of lung cancer must get regular checkups to avoid such diseases in the near future.

5. Polluted environment exposure: Individuals living in Polluted areas or working in factories where there is hazardous gas.

 How Is Lung Cancer Screening Conducted?  

The process generally includes LDCT, which is a form of computed tomography scan with less radiation. They are specialized and use a lesser amount of radiation than standard computed tomography scanning to look at lung abnormalities.

Steps involved:

 1. Preparation: You would be requested to remove or not wear any metallic objects or jewellery of any type.

2. Procedure: Lie flat on a table as detailed pictures of the lungs are taken by the scanner.

3. Duration: It is a very fast procedure and only takes 5-10 minutes.  

Why is LDCT Preferred?

-It gives clear images of the lungs.

– It emits much fewer doses of radiation than a routine CT scan.

– It is very sensitive to small nodules that may represent lung cancer.

 Lung Cancer Screening Risks

1. False Positives

LDCT will sometimes identify benign lesions that provoke unnecessary subsequent tests or procedures.

2. Overdiagnosis 

 Screening sometimes discovers slowly growing tumors that may never cause symptoms or threaten life and are therefore over-treated.  

 3. Radiation Exposure  

Although LDCT delivers a lower dose of radiation, annual screenings over time can add up to a cumulative risk.However early detection is the key to survival and hence should not be ignored.Such 

Lung Cancer Screening at Max Hospital, Saket

Lung Cancer Screening facilities  at Max Hospital, Saket, under the visionary hands of Dr. Kamran Ali. The hospital uses the latest LDCT technology and observes international guidelines in order to identify detection.

Why should you choose Max Hospital?

-Years of experience in thoracic care and lung cancer management by Dr. Kamran Ali and his team.

– Advanced Technology Used in Diagnostics Here, the diagnoses are right.

– The treatment services provided by this hospital start from diagnosis up to the post-treatment services.

FAQs about Lung Cancer Screening.

 1. Which patients require lung cancer screening?

It should be done for the patients who have a smoking history and are  between 50-80 years of age, with other risk factors  including genetic history.

2. Does lung cancer screening hurt?

 No, LDCT is a non-invasive and painless procedure.

3. How often should I get screened?

 If you fall under the high-risk category, yearly LDCT screenings are recommended.

4. I screened out. Results were abnormal. What does this mean?

 It does not necessarily mean it is cancerous. Your physician would likely prefer to do additional testing in the form of a biopsy.

5. How much does lung cancer screening cost?

 This may vary by the location and medical institution. 

6. Will insurance cover my lung cancer screening?

Many of the insurance packages actually do include it, especially for people who are considered at risk. The best idea would be to contact your insurance company.

Conclusion 

Cancer screening is a phenomenal prevention tool as it saves the  lives of the patients when detected  early.

LDCT and the rest of diagnostic equipment allows healthcare workers to diagnose lung cancers at early stages ensuring a better patient outcome.

 Dr. Kamran Ali and the whole team at Max Hospital, Saket ensures that you have the best care available. If screening is applicable and patient falls under risky category then he or she must go for annual screenings to prevent lung cancer.

To inquire further or make an appointment for lung cancer screening, contact Max Hospital, Saket. The team  will guide you towards a healthy and cancer-free life.

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