CT Screening Saves Lives
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month.
Lung Cancer is the nation’s top cancer killer, striking nearly 200,000 Americans each year. Nearly 90% eventually succumb to the disease. When diagnosed early, the survival rate is 90%. A National Lung Screening Trial enrolling 53,000 current or former smokers recently found 20 percent fewer deaths from lung cancer among those screened with spiral CTs than among those given chest X-rays. The difference was considered statistically significant and the study was truncated.
Locally, Alta Bates Medical Center in Berkeley is doing a study in conjunction with New York’s Cornell University and is offering free low dose CT lung scans. Participants must be 50 or older. While prevention remains key, early diagnosis is vital for saving lives. If you live in Northern California and you are a smoker, an ex-smoker, or have been exposed to asbestos in the past, you may want to take advantage of this study. And for those exposed to asbestos there is an added potential benefit – a CT scan can also detect early signs of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma, which can greatly improve the chances for a good response to treatment. Please call (510) 204-2792.