I Wish For “CT Lung Cancer Screening For All"

I wish CT lung cancer screening was more inclusive for people who have no smoking history or risk factors. In other words, “CT lung screening for all.” Since my diagnosis in 2019, the CT lung cancer screening covers only the current or previous smokers. Besides, there are specified risk factors used for the screening. Indeed, there is evidence of their impact on cancer care, treatment success, and lung cancer deaths. Despite the saving action, lung cancer is still one of the top causes of cancer death.

More stage 4 diagnosis

If the age eligibility was down to 50 years old regardless of risk factors or smoking history, more people would have gotten better diagnoses. An increasing number of lung cancer diagnoses are made at advanced stages when the survival rates drop significantly. “CT lung screening for all” will definitely drive a significant early diagnosis where still curable. There is a great need for government action to push for lung cancer screening programs.

Criteria for CT lung cancer screening

I was a never-smoker 55-year old at my stage 4 ALK-positive lung cancer diagnosis in 2019. Currently, the age eligibility for CT lung cancer screening in the city where I live starts at 55 years old and goes up to 74 years old. Besides, there is a list of criteria such as smoking habits, family lung health history, asbestos hazard, radon risk, and second-hand smoke exposure. These risk factors prompt any health care provider to get people screened right away. Obviously, I did not get automatic screening as I was a non-smoker and possessed non-risk factors.

CT lung cancer screening process

A low amount of CT is suggested with risk factors and who are 55 years old but not over 74 years old. There was no CT screening policy below 55 years old. The eligibility is open only to those with risk factors or a smoking history. Just like any other cancer screening, the earlier it is done, the more treatment has great success. I was not qualified for CT screening at diagnosis but got an X-ray instead.

CT lung cancer screening disadvantages

Any CT lung cancer screening entails a low dose of radiation exposure. Sometimes there are test results confusion or even problems. My quarterly scans give me a full dose of CT where I have an allergic reaction but the good side is it can be controlled by pre-medication. However, the harms of CT screening outweigh the benefits of diagnosis at early stages.

Changes I wish for CT lung cancer screening

My wish is that cancer care centers would encourage CT lung screening programs regardless of smoking history or risk factors. On top of that, the age eligibility is down to 50 years old like the other cancers. Moreover, I wish lung cancer screening would get more funding from the government so this could be successfully executed between cancer care centers and health care professionals.

I can use my small voice calling for “CT screening for all” as a lung cancer advocate. Partnership with lung cancer organizations is another way for me to push for more action.