Temple Health is urging smokers and former smokers to undergo annual lung cancer screenings. In addition to low-dose CT scans, they are also offering a lung function test to detect COPD. Eligible adults over the age of 50 who have smoked a pack a day for 20 years and heavy smokers who quit within the past 15 years can receive these screenings. Medicare and most insurance companies cover the cost of CT 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 actually get screened, and even fewer do so regularly. By comparing scans from previous years, doctors can detect any changes or abnormalities in the lungs and other internal organs.
Aside from detecting lung cancer, these CT scans can also identify other health issues such as thyroid nodules and osteoporosis. Liverpool points out that the scans provide a comprehensive view of 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.
