Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers and the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Lung cancer sometimes can show no symptoms, but if found at an early stage the chances for survival are greatly increased with early treatment.
Whilst lung cancer is commonly associated with smoking, the reality is not everyone who gets this disease smokes. Therefore, lung cancer screening should not be limited to those who smoke heavily.
Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) lung cancer screening is the main procedure for screening and detecting Lung Cancer. The machine scans the body and uses low doses of radiation to provide a series of detailed pictures of the lungs.
Why LDCT screening?
STRONG sensitivity and specificity in detecting lung cancer compared to CXR
GREATER rate of lung cancer detection at an early stage for immediate treatment
SAFE Exposes patients to less radiation than traditional CT
FAST Diagnosis without the use of contrast medium or fasting
*Screening with a low dose CT scan of the chest provides a means of early lung cancer detection which may lead to a 20% reduction in the mortality rate.
Lung cancer screening with LDCT once a year for those who meet the following criteria:
Age 50 and above, and are either current smokers or have stopped smoking within the last 15 years
Contact with radon, asbestos, pollutions or other cancer-causing agents
a family history of lung cancer
*For those at high risk or having certain chronic lung diseases or who have a persistent cough, should consult their pulmonologist for a suitable examination.