Who should get screened for lung cancer

January 10th, 2024 | Cancer

Increase your odds of survival with a lung cancer screen

As with any other progressive disease, lung cancer is completely curable if detected at an early stage. Many countries already use lung cancer screening to detect the disease at an early stage. We know you probably have too many questions, but you need to calm down and educate yourself on the disease. That’s why, in today’s blog, we will explain all about the screening procedure, hoping that the information will help you book an early appointment if needed.

What are the new guidelines for lung cancer screening

The lung screening procedure involves lying still in a machine while multiple images are taken using X-rays. This program is specific to people who are at risk, which includes:

• People aged between 55 and 80 years
• Active smokers or smokers who have quit smoking but smoked for 20 years actively
• Active smokers or people who have quit smoking but have smoked one pack of cigarettes a day for 30 years
• If someone from the family had lung cancer
• You have another lung disease (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic bronchitis, etc.)

If you’re sent for cancer screening, the doctor must inform you of the possible benefits, limitations, and harms of the screening. They should also inform you about where the screening can be performed and what is the most effective lung cancer treatment. For all this to be successful, therefore, you must quit smoking if you currently do.

Risks from lung cancer screening

1. False-positive test results can occur – this suggests that a person has lung cancer when there’s no cancer present.
2. False-negative test results are also possible – Screening test results may appear to be normal even though lung cancer is present.
3. Overdiagnosis – when screening test results lead to a diagnosis and treatment that may never have been life-threatening.

What are the symptoms of lung cancer

• Cough that gets worse or doesn’t go away.
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Feeling very tired all the time

How to cope with the diagnosis

If the signs of lung cancer you’re experiencing are confirmed with a diagnosis, you may feel a surge of emotions such as fear, sadness, anxiety, and depression. This reaction is normal regardless of whether the diagnosis applies to you or your loved ones. As difficult as receiving this information is, you need to prepare yourself for what comes next. Of course, there is no denying the fact that living with lung cancer is overwhelming, stressful, and exhausting. If you can’t endure mentally, look for emotional support in different ways. For example, you can talk to loved ones or join a cancer support group.

What should you do

If you receive a positive lung cancer diagnosis, try to maintain a consistent daily routine, which involves:

• Set aside time that you will use for exercise. People who exercise during treatment can live longer and cope better with side effects.
• Get sufficient sleep to ensure your body is well-rested.
• A healthy lifestyle is the most important. By choosing a healthy diet, your energy level improves. Eating healthy meals is very important in cancer treatment. For an additional effect of the treatments, i.e., chemotherapy, you can use our Queasy Products, which are safe, natural, and drug-free. And if you want to fit your lifestyle, the products also come in a sugar-free option.

Hopefully, by sharing this information, we’ve helped you look at lung cancer screening with less stress. For more useful information, feel free to read our blogs.